Key Facts
- Duration
- 2014–2016
- Allied force size (2nd Tikrit)
- Over 23,000 fighters
- Key city retaken
- Tikrit
- External intervening powers
- United States and Iran
- Governorate affected
- Saladin Governorate, north-central Iraq
Strategic Narrative Overview
Iraqi security forces and Shia militias halted ISIL at Samarra and, with US and Iranian support, broke the Siege of Amirli. The First Battle of Tikrit saw ISIL repulse recapture attempts. After months of preparation, a combined force of over 23,000 Iraqi troops, Shia paramilitaries, and Sunni tribal fighters launched the Second Battle of Tikrit in early March 2015, successfully encircling ISIL fighters in the city.
01 / The Origins
During ISIL's Northern Iraq offensive of June 2014, the Islamic State seized large parts of Saladin Governorate, including Tikrit and Baiji, as the Iraqi army rapidly collapsed. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki attempted to declare a state of emergency but was blocked by parliament. The fall of strategically vital cities and ISIL's advance toward Samarra prompted urgent responses from both Iraqi security forces and international actors.
03 / The Outcome
The Second Battle of Tikrit ended decisively with ISIL militants encircled and killed or captured, restoring Iraqi government control over the city. The broader campaign continued through 2016, gradually rolling back ISIL's territorial hold across Saladin Governorate. The recapture of Tikrit marked a major turning point in the wider conflict against ISIL in Iraq.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
5 belligerents
Nouri al-Maliki.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.