Published on, Aug. 17 -- August 17, 2025 4:48 PM

Iraqi authorities have started digging at a suspected Islamic State (IS) mass grave near Mosul, believed to contain thousands of victims. The site, known as Khasfa, is one of Iraq's largest and most tragic remnants of IS rule.

The first phase of the excavation began on August 10, focusing on surface-level digging. Early findings include human skulls buried in the sand, offering chilling confirmation of mass executions carried out during IS's brutal occupation.

Khasfa is located just outside Mosul, the former stronghold of IS before its defeat in late 2017. According to officials, victims buried here include executed soldiers, Yazidis, and civilians from Mosul. A 2018 UN report identified...