Iraqi forces are massing in Samarra and Tuz Khormato ahead of what will be a long battle to recapture the city of Tikrit from the Islamic State militants. Should it be successful, it will mark a step towards the greater prize of Mosul.
At least 145 people were killed and 25 were wounded.
In al-Baghdadi, militants burned 43 people to death. The victims were kidnapped several days ago and were members of various security forces. Over 100 people have been executed in the town this week, many by fire. Nearby, a religious shrine and mosque were destroyed. Thankfully, there seems to be some relief from the assault. A residential complex that had been besieged is now safe.
Three families were burned to death inside their homes in al-Dour.
In Albu Ajeel and al-Alam, militants executed seven people.
Militants executed three women and a man in Shirqat.
In Baiji, militants executed an elderly woman who refused to feed them.
A suicide bomber injured four people during an attack on the customs directorate in Qazzanah.
Security forces freed 20 policemen who had been tortured while held in a militant jail in Baiji.
A bodyguard was wounded during an assassination attempt on a councilman in Kut.
In Tikrit, an airstrike left 38 militants dead. Eight militants were killed in a clash.
In Baghdad, security forces killed 23 militants.
Airstrikes left six militants dead in al-Askari.
In Albu Rayash, four militants were killed.
Security forces killed four militants in Ramadi.
Two suicide bombers were killed in Albu Talha.
In Samarra, a suicide bomber was killed.
Militants were killed during an attack on the Adhaim Dam.
