Story highlights Iraqi forces are about a mile from the center of Tikrit

A major offensive for the city was launched just over a week ago

Near Tikrit, Iraq (CNN) Iraqi forces are closing in on Tikrit and could be days away from retaking the city from ISIS fighters just over a week after launching a major offensive.

In the past three days, forces have progressed roughly 50 miles down one road toward the city and are now about a mile from its center.

The operation is part of a wide-scale offensive to retake Tikrit and Salahuddin province ordered by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on March 1.

Hadi Al-Amiri, the leader of the predominantly Shiite paramilitary force Hashd Al-Shaabi, said Monday he is confident his men can crush ISIS in Iraq without the help of the U.S.-led coalition.

"We don't need it and we won't need it," said Al-Amiri. "Anyone who puts faith in the international coalition to liberate Iraq is putting their faith on a mirage. The people of Iraq will liberate this country and put an end to ISIS."

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