Mass graves uncovered of civilians killed in uprising

Iraqis digging with shovels and their bare hands today excavated a mass grave filled with the remains of dozens of people who witnesses said were executed after a 1991 Shiite uprising against Saddam Hussein’s government.

Fragments of watches, a blue woman’s slipper, bloody clothing and pieces of traditional black cloaks often worn by Iraqi women were found at the site 13 miles north-west of Najaf, one of the most holy cities for Shiite Muslims. Bullet casings also were found near the graves.