US launches air strikes against IS in Iraq's Tikrit

The campaign followed a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for assistance after an Iranian-backed ground operation in the city stalled, reported the BBC.

U.S. Lt-Gen James Terry , who is the commanding general of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, said that the strikes were intended to destroy IS strongholds "with precision." He added that it would minimize collateral damage to infrastructure.

The Iraqi ground offensive, which was halted earlier, also resumed on Wednesday, targeting IS positions. The operation will now be backed by the coalition, the U.S. military statement said.

The offensive aimed to retake the city of Tikrit, which is encircled by Iraqi forces, and place it "under the government of Iraq control."

Until now, the U.S. had abstained from participating in the operation in Tikrit.