In Iraq, a highly skilled soldier gained widespread recognition for his unwavering determination and dedication, serving as an inspiring figure for his fellow soldiers. During his military service, he exhibited remarkable bravery, achieving 384 confirmed kills of enemy combatants in the intense conflict with ISIS. His extraordinary battlefield prowess earned him the moniker “Sheikh of Snipers,” and he was held in high esteem by his comrades, who simply referred to him as Abu Tahsin al-Salhi.
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in several conflicts
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
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, where he is said to have been responsible for more than 300 enemy casualties during his service. This earned him the affectionate nicknames “Hawk Eye” and the “Sheikh of Snipers.” His achievements quickly became legendary among the PMU members, leading to the creation of a video showcasing his steadfast dedication to the cause and remarkable skill as a sniper.
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi was dedicated to defending his country
In the footage, Abu Tahsin al-Salhi described a time when he was given a month-long break from combat, but he returned after only two weeks because of his profound commitment to defending his country.
He commented,”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.
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