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COALITION JOINT TASK FORCE - SEVEN

NEWS RELEASE

DSN 318.438.2289/COM 99.001.468.2289

May 17, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mass Graves Sites

COBRA BASE, Iraq - Coalition forces are attempting to identify and document the mass graves left as a result of the former regime.  Efforts to dig up remains of loved ones at mass grave sites can be counter-productive to the goals of findinganswers, seeking justice and recovering remains for an appropriate burial. 

By exposing remains that are unearthed to nature's elements and mixing together remnants of different bodies, the identification and preservation process is more difficult. 

Unmarked mass graves are located throughout Iraq and contain the remains of countless victims of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime.  They can appear anywhere in the country, and can be identified by mounds of dirt piled above the ground, deep pits which appear to have been filled in or citizens digging up the area. 

Untrained digging can physically damage the remains, which are critical to identifying the method and time of death through forensics and other investigative techniques.  Most importantly, many mass gravesites contain unexploded ordnance, which could harm Iraqi citizens. 

When a mass grave is discovered, the area is secured, photographed and documented with as many facts about the site as possible.

Iraqis are encouraged to contact the Coalition Joint Task Force (CJTF)-7 Civil Military Coordination Center (CMCC) or local Organization for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) if an apparent mass grave is found.    

The Coalition asks that Iraqis refrain from digging at a mass gravesite.  Local citizens can be assured that they will be allowed the opportunity to hold a proper burial once identifications have been made and evidence secured.

Local community leaders are discouraged from holding mass reburials at the sites.   Ceremonies may be held without actually reburying the bodies.

Coalition Forces are exploring options of standing up and using local guard forces to assume responsibility for guarding these areas until forensics experts and investigators can visit sites.  Coalition Forces are also exploring the option of training local personnel to assist in the exhumation of mass graves.  Additional guidance on how to proceed once the site is secured will be forthcoming.

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