BAGHDAD - Iraqi forces pounded Islamic State positions in Tikrit on Wednesday, resuming an offensive that had stalled for almost two weeks as US-led coalition planes prepared to strike Saddam Hussein's home city. 'Military operations in Tikrit started at around 9 p.m. local time by pounding Islamic State positions with artillery, mortars and Katyusha rockets,' said provincial council member Hadi al-Khazraji. Two military officers in the city confirmed Iraqi forces were shelling the militants.
