US Air Force jets struck positions of Iraqi anti-ISIL forces during clashes near Tikrit, injuring several fighters, Iran's Fars News Agency reports.

The Iraqi army, together with militias, launched an offensive on the northern city of Tikrit onThursday, after Iraq's Defense Minister Khalid Obeidi said that Tikrit was completely surrounded by the country's military and local militias.

On Wednesday, the Unites States began airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Tikrit. US forces previously were not involved in the Tikrit operation.

By Sputnik News