News: Islamic State conflict: Iraq making 'final push' on Tikrit

IRAQI government forces battling Islamic State militants have retaken a large part of north-eastern Tikrit, security officials say.

Soldiers and Shia militiamen have reportedly raised the Iraqi flag at a hospital in the Qadisiya district, two-thirds of which is under their control, although progress in the south and west of the city is slower.

Earlier, they retook the town of Alam, just north of Tikrit, cutting off IS fighters from their supply lines.

BBC Arabic's Ahmed Maher in Baghdad says capturing Tikrit could a "prelude" for the biggest battle - re-taking Mo