Iraqi security forces foil IS attack

Iraqi security forces on Sunday foiled an attack by Islamic State (IS) militants on the city of Tikrit, killing five militants.

The attacks occurred at dawn as dozens of IS militants attacked from the west of the city, 170 km north of of Baghdad, sparking heavy clashes with security forces and allied militias. an official told Xinhua news agency.

The troops backed by helicopter gunships repelled the attack which attempted to gain a foothold in the city, the source said, adding that militants withdrew to the western desert of Tikrit following several hours of intense clashes.

"Five IS militants were killed and four of their vehicles were damaged, with seven security members injured," the official said.

The attack on Tikrit occurred as security forces and allied militias, backed by Iraqi and US-led coalition aircraft, were fighting with extremist militants in the battleground town of Baiji, 40 km north of Tikrit.