ISIS Mass Grave Excavation Uncovered Near Mosul in Iraq
In August 2025, Iraqi authorities initiated the excavation of the Khasfa mass grave, believed to be one of the largest mass graves left by the Islamic State (IS) near Mosul. The site, which has been challenging due to the presence of underground sulfur water and unexploded ordnance, began its excavation around August 9-10, with an initial phase focused on surface-level work to gather visible human remains and evidence[1][2][3].
The Islamic State, which seized large parts of Iraq and neighboring Syria in a rapid advance that began in 2014, imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law and committed widespread human rights abuses during its rule. The massacre at Khasfa in 2016 involved the execution of 280 people, primarily Ministry of the Interior employees[2]. The victims buried in Khasfa include soldiers executed by the IS, members of the Yazidi minority, and residents of Mosul[3].
Official estimates suggest at least 4,000 bodies may be buried in the Khasfa mass grave, with some reports noting the possibility of thousands more victims at the site[2][3]. The team plans to build a DNA database and collect DNA samples from families of suspected victims to help with the identification process, which is a critical step before full exhumations can safely continue[1].
The first phase of the excavation at the Khasfa site has already led to the uncovering of human skulls and other remains buried in sand. The site is one of dozens of mass graves left behind by the IS in Iraq[3]. In addition to the mass graves from the IS era, Iraqi authorities continue to excavate similar sites from the time of Saddam Hussein's rule[1].
The United Nations estimates that the IS has left behind over 200 mass graves, potentially containing up to 12,000 bodies. This estimate is cumulative across all known graves[1]. The project leader announced that thousands of victims of the Islamic State are suspected to be buried in the Khasfa mass grave[2].
The Khasfa mass grave excavation is a critical step in bringing justice to the victims and their families. The site is believed to be the location of one of the worst massacres committed by the IS, and a UN report from 2018 estimated that Khasfa is likely the largest mass grave in the country[2]. The exhumation of the bodies from Khasfa is challenging due to the porous soil caused by underground sulfur water, requiring specialized international support for full excavation[1][3].
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 10). Iraq begins exhuming suspected IS mass grave near Mosul. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-58137395 [2] The Guardian. (2025, August 11). Iraq begins exhuming mass grave near Mosul, suspected to contain thousands of IS victims. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/iraq-begins-exhuming-mass-grave-near-mosul-suspected-to-contain-thousands-of-is-victims [3] Reuters. (2025, August 10). Iraq begins exhuming suspected IS mass grave near Mosul. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iraq-begins-exhuming-suspected-is-mass-grave-near-mosul-2025-08-10/
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
