Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 20 decomposed bodies for several family members buried in separate mass graves were discovered by anti-al-Qaida militants and civilians near the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, an Interior Ministry source said Monday.

    Local residents and fighters of Fallujah Awakening Council teamed up for searching the Nibaiya area, 25 km northeast of Fallujah, based on information obtained from locals in the desert area, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

    The group excavated several small mass graves, where they found 20 bodies for families, including four children and three women, the source said, adding that each grave contained one family.

    Militants affiliated to the Awakening councils are Sunni groups backed by U.S. troops and Iraqi government to fight the al-Qaida in Iraq network.

    The desert area where the bodies found has long been under the control of militants affiliated to al-Qaida organization, the source added.