Advertisement

Mass graves in former ISIS territory in Iraq could hold up to 400 bodies

In this Nov. 11, 2017 frame grab from video, bones lie on the ground in an area recently retaken from the Islamic State group near Hawija, Iraq.
In this Nov. 11, 2017 frame grab from video, bones lie on the ground in an area recently retaken from the Islamic State group near Hawija, Iraq. Kirkuk Governor’s Office via AP

KIRKUK, Iraq (AP) — Iraqi security forces have found mass graves in an area recently retaken from the Islamic State group that could contain up to 400 bodies, an Iraqi official said Sunday.

The bodies of civilians and security forces were found in an abandoned base near Hawija, a northern town retaken in early October, Kirkuk governor Rakan Saed said. He didn’t say when authorities will start exhuming the bodies from the mass graves.

READ MORE: Iraqi forces say they’re set to take the last patch of territory back from ISIS

Khalaf Luhaibi, a local shepherd who led troops to the site, said IS used to bring captives to the area and shoot them dead or pour oil over them and light them on fire. The area was strewn with torn clothing and what appeared to be human bones and skulls.

Story continues below advertisement

WATCH: Inside Canada’s fight against ISIS

Click to play video: 'Global News Exclusive: Inside Canada’s fight against ISIS'
Global News Exclusive: Inside Canada’s fight against ISIS

Iraqi forces have driven IS from nearly all the territory it once controlled. Authorities have already uncovered several mass graves in other newly liberated areas.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have driven the extremists from nearly all the territory they once controlled, with some fighting still underway near the western border with Syria.

READ MORE: Canada halts military aid to Iraqi and Kurdish forces amid clashes

On Saturday, Iraq’s Prime Minister announced an operation to capture a patch of territory on the western edge of the country near the border with Syria. Hours later, Iraqi Defense Ministry announced capturing Romana area, saying the troops will head to nearby town of Rawa.

WATCH: Iraqis still scared to return to Mosul after ISIS pushed out

Click to play video: 'Iraqis still scared to return to Mosul after ISIS pushed out'
Iraqis still scared to return to Mosul after ISIS pushed out

According to Ahmed al-Asadi, a spokesman for the Shiite-majority paramilitary forces, Rawa is the last Iraqi town held by IS who still control some scattered small villages in mainly desert areas.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices