Iraqi security officials discover 50 bodies, including 2 children, south of Baghdad

BAGHDAD, July 9 (UPI) -- More than 50 bodies, including those of two children, were discovered in the predominately Shia town of Alexandria, south of Baghdad, on Wednesday.

Iraqi security officials did not provide details regarding the circumstances of the deaths.

The discovery comes amid bloody conflict as Iraqi security forces battle Sunni militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

In nearby Hillah, three car bombs killed at least five people and wounded 17 others outside a courthouse. Resident Abu Sajad told CNN, "We are witnessing increase in government forces deploying in Hilla's streets daily, and we are staying up every night to give these forces the support in case there will be a need for us if ISIS show up in Hilla."