In the midst of Iraqi soldiers, there was a man whose unbreaking resolve and dedication inspired his comrades. Throughout his service, he showed extraordinary courage in defending his country, taking down an impressive 384 confirmed enemy combatants in the fierce fight against ISIS. Known as the “Sheikh of Snipers” on the battlefield, he was known as Abu Tahsin al-Salhi by his fellow countrymen.
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi fought in five wars
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.
Following this, 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 volunteered with the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), an officially recognized coalition operating alongside the Iraqi Army, although not formally integrated into it. PMU maintains a symbiotic relationship with the military and national security apparatus of Iraq. Comprised of approximately 40 militia of 100,000 fighters, PMU’s ranks predominantly consist of Shia members, but also include Sunni, Christian, and Yazidi fighters.
al-Salhi enlisted with PMU 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.
In the footage, he 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 positioned in Jurf al-Sakhar (now known as Jurf al-Nasr), located southwest of Baghdad, but he had traveled across most of the country battling ISIS. His final assignment was near Hawija, a town in the northwest that had fallen under ISIS control. During the PMU’s efforts to reclaim the area in September 2017, al-Salhi was killed while advancing with the militia.
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Al-Salhi passed away at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as an inspiration to Iraqi soldiers battling ISIS. Known for his remarkable number of enemy kills, his achievements against the enemy will be remembered.