The Iraqi army and the popular mobilization forces entered Tikrit on Wednesday, stepping up a military operation to regain the northern city from the Takfiri group, ISIL.

The Iraqi army and the popular mobilization forces entered Tikrit on Wednesday, stepping up a military operation to regain the northern city from the Takfiri group, ISIL.

Al-Manar correspondent in Iraq reported that the army and the popular mobilization managed to take control of al-Hayakel area in the west of Tikrit, after advancing in al-Qadisiyah neighborhood (also in the west).

AFP news agency confirmed the army entered the city, citing a major general, who said that battling "to cleanse the neighborhood of Qadisiyah" in Tikrit.

"We were able to control Tikrit military hospital, which is close to the centre of the city," the hometown of executed dictator Saddam Hussein, he said on condition of anonymity.

"But we are engaging in a very delicate battle because we are not facing fighters on the ground, we are facing booby-trapped terrain and sniper fire.

The operation started early on Wednesday following preliminary shelling and extensive bombardment, our correspondent said.

The Iraqi army and the popular mobilization forces have been engaged in a massive operation in Salahuddin province, of which Tikrit is the center. The operation aims at driving the Takfiri group ISIL, out of the province.