Iraq Begins Excavation of Islamic State Mass Grave: A Somber Undertaking
Iraqi officials have begun excavating a mass grave near Mosul, believed to contain thousands of victims of the Islamic State (ISIS) group. This initial phase focuses on gathering visible remains and preparing for a full exhumation, which will require international assistance. Authorities estimate thousands of bodies may be buried at the site, known as Khasfa, including Iraqi army and police personnel, Yazidis, and other victims. The excavation is a crucial step in identifying victims and bringing closure to families, with DNA collection and database creation as essential first steps to ensure proper identification.
John Q. Hosedrinker