Iraq uncovers mass grave in Kirkuk: Governor

By Ali Mukarrem Garip

KIRKUK

A mass grave was uncovered in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province, according to the local governor on Wednesday.

The grave contains the remains of dozens of unidentified bodies in Leylan town, 15 kilometers north-east of Kirkuk, Rakan Saeed said.

"The remains are believed to belong to the victims of unsolved murders that have taken place in the province since 2003," he said.

Saeed said local authorities were working to identify the victims in the mass grave.

Iraqi forces have recently moved into Kirkuk and several parts of the country “disputed” between Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) after the latter held an illegitimate referendum in September on secession from Iraq.

* Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara