Sahwa
Following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Abu Abed turned against al-Qaeda due to the often indiscriminate use of violence used by the terrorists, as well as the fact that Al-Qaeda terrorized Sunni citizens. Abu Abed was extremely good at routing out terrorists and al-Qaeda members from their strongholds. The U.S. Army began to employ his services, from the Knights of the Two Rivers (Forsain al Rafadain) which included thousands of Sons of Iraq and Sahwa loyalists, in order to counter the terrorist organizations operating in Baghdad. His courage earned the respect and accolades of American soldiers.