Meet Iraq's Legendary 'Sheikh of Snipers': A Military Legend Who Stood Alone In The Fight Against Terrorism

In Iraq, a highly skilled soldier gained fame for his unwavering resolve and commitment, serving as a source of inspiration for his comrades. Over the course of his military service, he exhibited extraordinary bravery, achieving 384 confirmed enemy combatant kills amid the intense conflict with ISIS. His prowess on the battlefield earned him the moniker "Sheikh of Snipers," while among his fellow Iraqis, he was revered as Abu Tahsin al-Salhi.

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in several conflicts

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi, a seasoned fighter in his sixties, had engaged in multiple conflicts before joining the Iraqi Civil War , commonly referred to as the 2013-17 War in Iraq. His military career began during the 1973 Yom Kippur War , where he served with the 5th Mountainous Brigade in the Golan Heights.

Becoming a seasoned soldier over the decades

Following this, Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in the 1974-75 Second Kurdish-Iraqi War , the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War , the Gulf War and the Iraq War . By the time ISIS militants pushed across the Iraq border, he was a well-seasoned soldier. Despite his age, he took up arms to defend his country against the invading enemy.

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought with the Popular Mobilization Units

In 2015, Abu Tahsin al-Salhi joined forces as a volunteer with the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), a coalition recognized by the Iraqi government and operating alongside the Iraqi Army, though not under its direct command. The PMU and Iraq's military and national security apparatus maintain a closely intertwined relationship.

The PMU comprises around 40 militia of 100,000 fighters , primarily Shia but also encompassing Sunni, Christian, and Yazidi members.

An exceptionally-skilled sniper

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi joined the Popular Mobilization Units and claimed more than 300 enemy fatalities throughout his service, earning him the nicknames "Hawk Eye" and the "Sheikh of Snipers." His achievements quickly became the stuff of legend among PMU members, and a video was created to highlight his steadfast dedication to the mission and his remarkable skill as a marksman.

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi was dedicated to defending his country

In the footage, Abu Tahsin al-Salhi recounted a period when he was granted a month-long respite from combat, yet he returned after just two weeks due to his deep-rooted dedication to defending his nation.

He remarked,"I'm relaxed, my mind is relaxed. Last time they gave me a month off and after 12 days I came back."

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi lost his life in northwest Iraq

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi had been stationed in Jurf al-Sakhar (now known as Jurf al-Nasr), southwest of Baghdad, but he had fought across much of the country. His last assignment was near Hawija in the northwest, which was under ISIS control. In September 2017, during the Popular Mobilization Units' efforts to recapture the region, al-Salhi was killed while advancing with the militia .

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Al-Salhi died at 64 as an inspiration to the Iraqi soldiers fighting against ISIS. Renowned for his number of enemy kills, his many achievements in battle are remembered by many.