Burned body of young man found in southern Kut

WASIT — Police discovered the charred body of a young man Sunday night in an area known locally as the “military site,” south of Kut, with early reports indicating signs of torture, according to a security source. Family members, who had been searching for the man since morning, arrived at the scene shortly after the body was found.

“Around 10 p.m. on Sunday, we received a report from security patrols about a burned and charred body that showed some signs of torture,” the source told 964media. “It was found in the area known as the military site, south of Kut.”

Photos obtained by 964media show the body lying on the ground, completely consumed by flames. The area was sealed off as security forces launched an investigation.

“Patrols from various branches of the security forces were sent to the location to recover the body and transport it to the forensic medicine department, as well as to begin the necessary investigations,” the source said.

Family members who arrived at the scene identified the victim as a young man born in 2001. Preliminary information suggests he worked as a tuk-tuk driver and lived in the Falahiyah area. He had been reported missing earlier in the day.

“It’s too early to comment in detail on the type or nature of the incident, as all relevant information remains unknown at this time,” the source added.

The discovery comes a day after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the killing of another young man found on the outskirts of Samarra in Salah Al-Din governorate. That victim, according to the Iraqi Security Media Cell, showed signs of torture, had been blindfolded and shot, and was found near a river with his vehicle recovered nearby.