Daesh has abducted over 100 Iraqi tribesmen near the city of Tikrit, Reuters reported, in efforts to stifle an anticipated attack.
Iraqi soldiers and pro-regime Shiite militants have been preparing for a widespread army offensive against Daesh occupations near the Tigris River, north and south of Tikrit, according to Reuters.
Tikrit has been occupied by Daesh since June. The city is about 150 km north of Baghdad and has been essential to Daesh's move to scatter Iraqi security forces.
Iraq's military told Reuters about 2,000 Daesh fighters moved into the area in anticipation of a major operation against them.
Reuters reported 42 tribesmen were detained by Daesh in Rubaidha, and accused of fighting in pro-government militia. This adds to the 56 men who were detained last week in the neighboring city Diyala.
Reuters said Daesh has been on the defensive in several parts of its occupied territories, as months of airstrikes by the US-led coalition has taken a toll on the militant group's resources.
