US and Iraqi forces have discovered a "torture complex" in an al-Qaeda safe haven near Muqdadiya in central Diyala province, the US military has said.
Three buildings containing chains on the walls and ceilings, and a metal bed connected to a power supply were found during an operation on 9 December.
Mass graves containing 26 bodies were uncovered nearby, the military said.
"Intelligence provided by Iraqi tips led US troops to a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven and operating bases," the US statement said.
"Evidence of murder, torture, and intimidation against local villagers was found throughout the area."
Residents of nearby villages said they had known about the torture complex, but had not told the authorities because they had been afraid of reprisals by the militants.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7154856.stm
Gods little warriors... hard at work.