Iraqi PM issues orders for security forces to arrest any lawless gangs in Tikrit

(Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi called on security forces to arrest anyone breaking the law in the city of Tikrit, where looting has been witnessed since the Sunni area was taken back from Islamic State militants this week.

"The prime minister calls on the forces in Tikrit to arrest any person who performs such acts and to preserve the belongings and facilities in Salahuddin province," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

Abadi said enforcement of the law was essential in order to "bring life back to the province as well as returning families" to the city, the capital of Salahuddin province, which was seized by Islamic State extremists last June.