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Iraqi security forces and Shiite militia fighting ISIS militants took control of the center of a town on the southern outskirts of Saddam Hussein’s home city Tikrit Sunday, security officials said, The Daily Star reported, citing news agencies.

Sending in more troops and fighting fierce clashes, the army and militiamen were still struggling to drive out ISIS militants entrenched in buildings in the western section of the town of Al-Dour, officials said.

Military commanders said the army and militia, known as Popular Mobilization units, launched another offensive late Saturday to break into the center of Al-Dour.

By Sunday they had succeeded in recapturing the central area where government headquarters are located, but ISIS insurgents were still holding positions in the west.

“ISIS snipers are still targeting our troops from some of the high buildings. We should be able to take them out with helicopter attacks this evening,” said Ahmad al-Yasiri, a Popular Mobilization force leader fighting in Al-Dour.

Officials said security forces and Shiite militia fighters had also captured about third of the village of Albu Ajil south of Tikrit, hometown of the executed president.