CRI听力:Forces Take Control of Samarra: Iraqi Military

A military spokesman says the Iraqi army has retaken control of Samarra, an embattled city north of the capital Bagdhad.

Lieutenant General Qassim al-Moussawi says the military is working alongside US advisors and focusing on "important targets".

"The security forces are completely controlling Samarra. Coordination with the American side is ongoing and we've begun to study important targets."

The Iraqi forces are said to have been moving north towards Tikrit from the shrine city of Samarra.

They launched an operation early on Saturday aimed at dislodging Sunni militants from the northern city of Tikrit.

Tikrit is one of two major urban centres seized by ISIL-led Sunni militants in recent weeks in a dramatic blitz across the country.

Meanwhile Baghdad shoppers crowded into markets on Saturday to pick up supplies a day before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and only feast in the evenings during Ramadan.