In Iraq, a soldier widely admired for his unshakable determination and dedication gained fame for his unwavering commitment to the fight. Throughout his career, he exhibited extraordinary bravery, accumulating 384 confirmed kills of enemy combatants in the fight against ISIS. His exceptional marksmanship earned him the nickname “Sheikh of Snipers,” but to those who fought beside him, he was known simply 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 decided to enlist in the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), a government-recognized coalition that works alongside the Iraqi Army, though it operates independently of its command structure. The PMU maintains close ties with Iraq’s military and national security forces.
The coalition comprises around 40 militias, with a total of around 100,000 fighters. While it is predominantly Shia, the PMU also includes members from Sunni, Christian, and Yazidi communities.
An exceptionally-skilled sniper
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi joined the Popular Mobilization Units, with whom he was credited with more than 300 kills. His impressive feats earned him the nicknames “Hawk Eye” and the “Sheikh of Snipers,” and his scores were so legendary within the PMU that they inspired the filming of a video that celebrated his exceptional marksmanship and steadfast commitment to the cause.
Abu Tahsin al-Salhi was dedicated to defending his country
In the video, Abu Tahsin al-Salhi recounted a moment when he was granted a month-long break from fighting, but he returned after just two weeks, driven by his deep dedication to protecting 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.