UNITAD and Iraqi Authorities Conclude Excavations of a Complex Mass Grave Site near Tel Afar

UNITAD extended technical support to the national teams onsite and provided essential equipment to prepare for the excavations, which started on 22 May 2024 and continued for almost 3 months. Initial analysis indicates that this complex site, a sinkhole, contains remains of ISIL (Da’esh) victims from the Yazidi and Shia communities. Victims were brought there to be executed on site or arrived already dead, only for their bodies to be thrown in. The remains of 158 bodies and 39 body parts have been recovered so far and transported to the MLD facilities in Baghdad for identification.

As a sinkhole, the excavation was one of the most challenging and intensive excavations ever undertaken by MGD, MLD and UNITAD.  It was classified as high-risk to the personnel undertaking it, who were faced with potential rock collapses, among several other challenges. To prepare for the excavations, UNITAD experts worked jointly with the MGD over the past 12 months, by conducting several missions to the site, and using cutting-edge digital forensic research and analysis to help assess and mitigate the risks. 

Excavations of mass grave sites have been crucial for revealing the fate of thousands of Iraqi victims of ISIL (Da’esh) atrocities. “This site is emblematic as it clearly shows the systematic and planned nature of the international crimes committed by ISIL (Da’esh) in Iraq,” said Acting Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD Ana Peyro Llopis, adding: “we hope that this work will lead to the identification of more victims, offering their families some solace.”

To maximize the number of identifications, the MLD previously conducted three antemortem campaigns, in addition to a fourth campaign that was supported by UNITAD. Families are encouraged to take part in antemortem campaigns to support ongoing identification efforts.

For more information on the excavation, watch the video https://youtu.be/jmEowio0tXs