Reports have emerged that Iraqis have excavated a mass grave which contains the bodies of Shiite Muslims who witnesses say were killed in 1991.

It is believed that the bodies were murdered as part of Saddam Hussein’s stamp down on the Shiite uprising of 1991.

The bodies were dug up approximately 13 miles to the north-west of Najaf. So far ten of the 45 bodies have been identified.

It is believed that they could uncover further mass graves, as several mounds are visible in the vicinity – which indicates the number of bodies could rise dramatically.

Some of the bodies were identified due to the identification cards carried in their pockets.

The scene is believed to be very brutal, as many of the bodies were blindfolded and had their hands bound. There are believed to be men and women amongst the deceased.

In a further development, another mass grave was discovered on Saturday near the ancient city of Babylon. Many of those bodies appeared to have been tested on.

A US spokesman reported that: ‘Some of the skulls appear to have been cut open, maybe they were experimenting with the prisoners. Some were executed, you can see bullet holes.’