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Ibn al-Khattab, more commonly known as Amir Khattab (also transliterated as Emir Khattab and Ameer Khattab) (a.k.a. Habib Abdul Rahman), was a leader of a Chechen rebellion against Russia.
His given name is Samir Saleh Abdullah Al-Suwailem.
Khattab was born in Saudi Arabia. His father was an Arab and his mother was Turkish.
Not much is known about Khattab. His family likely lived near Jordanian border which had led to speculations that he was either a bedouin or may be a Jordanian of Chechen origin. It's possible he was influenced by Chechens of Jordan when there was instigation among them during Chechen conflict.
He was said to have partipated in the fight against the Soviet Union during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He may have had a partnership with Pakistani intelligence. Reportedly, he first heard about the Chechen conflict on Afghan TV. Later, he chose to move to Chechnya where he befriended Shamil Basayev and other rebel leaders. He was also associated with Zelimkhan Yanderbiyev.
Khattab participated in operations against the Russian government from March 1995 until March 2002. Allegedly, a Chechen messenger bribed by the Russian FSB gave Khattab a poisoned letter. Khattab died. The messenger was captured and killed.
Khattab was married to a woman who is a native of Karamakhi, Dagestan. The couple had two children.
He has been succeeded by a man named Amir Abu al-Walid.
External links
- Biography of Khattab (http://www.kavkaz.org.uk/eng/photo/amir_khattab/page5.shtml)
- Article about Chechen war (http://www-hoover.stanford.edu/publications/digest/984/dunlop.html)
- Information about Khattab's replacement (http://www.religioscope.info/article_88.shtml)
- Profile on Chechnya battle (http://www.rnw.nl/hotspots/archive/rus/html/islamic990818.html)
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