All Iran-backed militia out of Tikrit op: US

Iraqi Shia militia units under Iran's influence have withdrawn from a battle in the city of Tikrit, but other Shiite militias who answer to the Baghdad government remain in the fight, the Pentagon said Friday.

A precondition for US-led air strikes in support of an Iraqi offensive in Tikrit was that forces linked to Iran move aside to make away for regular army, police and militia under the Iraqi government's command, officials said.

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"What remains on the battlefield now are forces that are under direct control of the ministry of defense," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren told reporters.

Those forces staying in the fight included members of Popular Mobilisation units, which have both Shia and Sunni fighters.