The 'Sheikh of Snipers' Expertly Took Out 384 Enemy Insurgents to Fight Terrorism in Iraq

Among Iraq's most skilled soldiers was a man whose unwavering resolve and commitment inspired his comrades. Throughout his service, he displayed exceptional bravery, achieving 384 confirmed enemy combatant kills in the fierce battle against ISIS. On the battlefield, he was known as the "Sheikh of Snipers." However, his fellow countrymen knew him 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 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 around 40 militia of 100,000 fighters , PMU's ranks predominantly consist of Shia members, but also include Sunni, Christian and Yazidi fighters.

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.