Iraqi forces recapture 'booby trapped' city of Tikrit from IS militants

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Iraqi forces, aided by Shiite militiamen, have recaptured the northern city of Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) militants but they have found vehicles laden with explosives and the buildings that might be "booby trapped".

According to CNN, Iraqi forces had to disarm a large mechanical digger in Tikrit as it was packed with explosives.

The troops in the city had to be extremely cautious while entering buildings as they were could have been wired and plumes of smoke rose from burning buildings in the background.

Officials are concerned about the behavior of the Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen and fear that they might take "scorched earth" reprisals for the reported massacre of Shiite air force cadets by IS fighters last year in Tikrit.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also announced the victory and said that Tikrit is under control of Iraqi forces.