Capture of Tikrit by ISIL - June 13, 2014

On June 13, 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, captured the city of Tikrit in Iraq. This event marked a significant point in ISIL’s rapid territorial expansion across Iraq during the summer of 2014.

Context and Background

• ISIL’s Emergence: ISIL, an extremist militant group, emerged from the remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq. It gained notoriety for its brutal tactics and its goal of establishing a caliphate across the Middle East.

• Political Instability in Iraq: The capture of Tikrit occurred amidst a backdrop of political instability in Iraq. Sectarian tensions between the Sunni and Shia populations were exacerbated by the policies of then-Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, which marginalized Sunni communities.

• Fall of Mosul: Just days before the capture of Tikrit, ISIL had seized Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, on June 10, 2014. The fall of Mosul was a major blow to the Iraqi government and demonstrated ISIL’s growing strength.

The Capture of Tikrit

• Strategic Importance: Tikrit, located about 140 kilometers northwest of Baghdad, is the hometown of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Its capture was strategically significant for ISIL as it lay on the main highway leading to Baghdad.

• Rapid Advance: ISIL’s advance on Tikrit was swift, with reports indicating that the city fell with little resistance from Iraqi security forces. This rapid takeover highlighted the weaknesses in the Iraqi military, which struggled with low morale and inadequate training.

Aftermath and Consequences

• ISIL’s Expansion: The capture of Tikrit was part of a broader campaign by ISIL to control large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria. By the end of June 2014, ISIL had declared a caliphate, with its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as the caliph.

• International Response: The rapid territorial gains by ISIL prompted international concern and led to increased military intervention by the United States and its allies. This included airstrikes and support for Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting against ISIL.

• Humanitarian Impact: The conflict resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced from their homes and widespread human rights abuses reported in areas under ISIL control.

Broader Historical Significance

The capture of Tikrit underscored the volatile nature of post-2003 Iraq and highlighted the challenges of rebuilding a stable and inclusive state in the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion. It also marked a turning point in the global fight against terrorism, leading to a sustained international military campaign against ISIL.

The events of June 2014, including the capture of Tikrit, had lasting implications for regional security and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.