From AP, with thanks to Kemaste:
The bodies of about 50 unarmed Iraqi soldiers — many killed execution style with gunshots to the back of the head — were found on a remote road in eastern Iraq, victims of an ambush as they were heading home on leave after basic training, Iraqi authorities said Sunday.
The nature of the attack suggested an increased boldness and organization by insurgents, who, until now, have mainly used roadside bombs and suicide car bombs in their attacks on the Iraqi military and police.
Interior Ministry spokesman Adnan Abdul-Rahman said the victims were believed to have been killed about sundown Saturday on a road about 95 miles east of Baghdad near the Iranian border.
Police offered varying accounts of the incident, with one source saying all the victims were shot in the back of the head. Some of the victims had their hands crossed behind their heads, said Lt. Ali Jawad Kadhim from the nearby Mandali police station.
Photos from the site showed the outstretched bodies laid out in formation, some charred, others bloodied. Many had their arms at their sides.