Iraq unearths mass grave northeast of Baghdad

The grave was found in an area that used to be controlled by Qaeda in Iraq.

Baghdad: Iraqi officials say they`ve unearthed a mass grave northeast of Baghdad containing dozens of bodies.

Human Rights Ministry official Kamil Ameen said on Saturday the grave was found in an area south of the city of Baqouba that used to be controlled by al Qaeda in Iraq.

Ameen estimated that dozens of bodies were in the grave but could not provide a specific figure. Iraqi news reports put the number at 153.

Baqouba is located 35 miles (60 kilometres) northeast of Baghdad.

Authorities began finding mass graves across Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion, many filled with Shi’ites and Kurds who opposed former dictator Saddam Hussein.

Graves found near al Qaeda strongholds are usually filled with security officials and Shi’ites.

Bureau Report