Welcome to the program. A major offensive against isil is underway in iraq. A force of 20,000 soldiers and fighters are trying to force the armed group from tikrit and surrounding province north of the capitol baghdad. Shia militias known as Popular Mobilization forces are involved as well as sunni tribal fighters. 2,000 sunnis are involved. The offensive includes fighter jets and helicopter backing up ground forces. The iraq Prime Minister has called for the liberation of iraqi cities from isil. Today god willing, we will start and important military campaign to liberate the citizens of the province from Islamic State militants. I call on you to deal with the citizens well. We should protect the citizens and their properties. Jane is in baghdad and joins us live. What more details have you been hearing about the operation and how its going so far . Prime minister abaddi this afternoon is Briefing Members of parliament on how that operation is going. It has a huge political component.
Its involvement in south sudan. Has decided to send 150 more air are forces. Im determined to ensure that we have the means to carry out its essential task of protecting civilians. Im be spending most of today, ill be spending most much today calling regional leaders and others to bolster are support for unmiss. Are why henry matassa, is in are the area. Peter said he was attacked by men carrying machetes, young people with no apparent loyalties, started attacking with blades that looked like machetes. Of the two to three hours just godless. And more people are expected to get hurt. President salva kiir, says the armys duties are to protect the areas of south sudan, bring them under the control of the government of south sudan. The army concentrations are on their way. Reporter there are fears things could get worse. Thats why this woman wont leave this u. N. Compound even if things here are bad. Theres no water. Theres no food. When we are hungry here we want to find some food or wate