American-trained sniper becomes Isis’s new minister of war
Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov replaces Abu Omar al-Shishani, also known as the 'Ginger Jihadi'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An American-trained sniper has been given the position of minister of war by Isis.
Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov received training by the US when he was the head of Tajikstan’s special police force and has been given a promotion by the militant group.
The 41-year-old replaces Abu Omar al-Shishani, also known as the “Ginger Jihadi”, who was killed in a US airstrike.
Khalimov has been given the name “Tajik”, after his home nation and appeared in an Isis propaganda video where he pledged to carry out attacks on Russia, the US and Tajikstan, New York Post reported.
“The Tajik Golmurud Khalimov was elected as the first military commander in Isis. The organisation did not announce it officially because it fears that once mentioned, there might be a series of airstrikes against them,” Iraqi News reported.
It is thought Khalimov was radicalised recently and only defected to Isis in 2015. He disappeared while serving as chief of the special police force in Tajikstan, according to news.com.au.
The US have placed a $3 million (£2.2m) reward for any information that could lead to Khalimov’s capture.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments