One of the most skilled soldiers in Iraq was a man whose steadfast determination and dedication inspired his fellow soldiers. Throughout his military career, he demonstrated remarkable courage, tallying 384 confirmed kills of enemy combatants during the intense struggle against ISIS. On the field, he earned the title of the “Sheikh of Snipers,” yet to his fellow Iraqis, he was recognized as Abu Tahsin al-Salhi.
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in several conflicts
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi was a veteran in his 60s who had fought in a number of conflicts prior to his involvement in the Iraqi Civil War – better known as the 2013-17 War in Iraq. He first participated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and was stationed in Golan Heights with the 5th Mountainous Brigade.
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 enlisted with Popular Mobilization Units and reported over 300 enemy kills during his tenure, leading to him being affectionately dubbed “Hawk Eye” and the “Sheikh of Snipers.” His exploits became legendary within the PMU ranks, and a video was produced showcasing his unwavering commitment to the cause and his exceptional marksmanship.
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.