The area became a burning crater, with at least twenty soldiers killed and more injured.
But 1515's breakout convoy also suffered heavy losses.
Over twenty vehicles were destroyed, with at least two hundred casualties.
The remaining vehicles began to turn back, fleeing into the city.
"Count the casualties, reinforce the defenses." Naxin's voice was hoarse, "They will return."
He looked eastward, in the direction of Tikrit. The shelling on the eastern front continued, and the entire city was ablaze.
The sky was about to brighten.
North front, north bank of the Tigris River.
Abu You stood on the turret of a T-72 tank, looking at the North City District of Tikrit across the river.
The bombardment had been going on for ten minutes.
The main targets in the North City District—the government building, police station, and TV station—were all hit by shells.
Drone footage showed these buildings either collapsed or burning fiercely.
