36 bodies found south of Baghdad

The bodies of 36 men – all but one wearing traditional Kurdish trousers – were discovered today in a dry river bed near Iraq’s border with Iran.

All had been shot in the head execution-style and some were cuffed.

The bodies were discovered near Badrah south-east of Baghdad. Police estimated the men were killed within the last three days since one had a paper in his pocket dated from Monday.

None had any identification cards. The bodies were transported to a morgue in Kut.

The area south-east of Baghdad has witnessed killings in the past between Shiites and Sunni Arabs. However, only one body was found wearing traditional Arab robes, suggesting all the victims were Kurds.