The Incredible Story of Abu Tahsin al-Salhi, The Sniper Who Took Down 384 ISIS Fighters

Photo Credit: Mohbora / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 (Clarity Increased)
Photo Credit: Mohbora / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 (Clarity Increased)

In Iraq, a highly skilled soldier became widely known for his steadfast determination and dedication, serving as a profound source of motivation for his fellow soldiers. Throughout his military service, he displayed exceptional courage, achieving 384 confirmed kills of enemy combatants during the intense conflict with ISIS. His exceptional battlefield skills earned him the nickname “Sheikh of Snipers,” and he was deeply respected among his compatriots, who simply knew him as Abu Tahsin al-Salhi.

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in several conflicts

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi sitting on a motorcycle
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi during the fight for the city of Mosul, 2017. (Photo Credit: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP / Getty Images)

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi, an experienced combatant in his sixties, had participated in numerous conflicts prior to his involvement in the Iraqi Civil War, also known as the 2013-17 War in Iraq. His military journey commenced during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where he fought alongside the 5th Mountainous Brigade in the Golan Heights.

Becoming a seasoned soldier over the decades

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi sitting on a motorcycle in the middle of the desert
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi during the fight for the city of Mosul, 2017. (Photo Credit: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP / Getty Images)

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

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi speaking to someone off-camera
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi, 2017. (Photo Credit: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP / Getty Images)

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

Mourners gathered together, with one holding an image of Abu Tahsin al-Salhi
Mourners hold a portrait of Abu Tahsin al-Salhi during his funeral in the city of Basra, 2017. (Photo Credit: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP / Getty Images)

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi enlisted with the Popular Mobilization Units, where he reportedly accounted for over 300 enemy casualties during his tenure, leading to him being affectionately dubbed “Hawk Eye” and the “Sheikh of Snipers.” His feats swiftly attained became the stuff of legends within the PMU ranks, prompting the production of a video showcasing his unwavering commitment to the cause and exceptional prowess as a sniper.

Abu Tahsin al-Salhi was dedicated to defending his country

Iraqi soldier aiming a rifle over a makeshift wall
Iraqi fighters from the Shiite Muslim Al-Abbas Popular mobilization Units (PMU) keeping position in the area surrounding the village of Dujail, in Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad, 2015. (Photo Credit: MOHAMMED SAWAF / AFP / Getty Images)

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

Mourners carrying the casket of Abu Tahsin al-Salhi down a street
Iraqi mourners carry the coffin of Abu Tahsin al-Salhi during his funeral in the southern city of Basra, 2017. (Photo Credit: HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP / Getty Images)

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.

More from us: British Troops Were Ordered to Break Out Their Fixed Bayonets During the Iraq War

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.

Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

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