# Jihadi John

> British terrorist and murderer

**Wikidata**: [Q17612464](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17612464)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihadi_John)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jihadi-john

## Summary
Jihadi John was a British terrorist and murderer, born in Kuwait to Kuwaiti parents, who became a prominent executioner and propaganda figure for the Islamic State. His identity was revealed as Mohammed Emwazi, a former computer programmer and University of Westminster graduate, before his death in a US drone strike in 2015.

## Biography
- Born: 1988-08-17 in Al Jahra, Kuwait
- Nationality: United Kingdom, Kuwait
- Education: University of Westminster, Quintin Kynaston Community Academy
- Known for: Serving as an executioner and warrior for the Islamic State
- Employer(s): Islamic State
- Field(s): Programming (pre-militancy), Militant Operations, Propaganda

## Contributions
Jihadi John served as an executioner for the Islamic State from approximately August 2014 to January 2015, appearing in numerous high-profile videos depicting the beheadings of Western hostages, including journalists and aid workers. His role as a central propagandist significantly amplified the Islamic State's global notoriety and fear-based messaging. Prior to this militant activity, he worked as a programmer, utilizing technical skills before transitioning into his role within the terrorist organization. His actions directly contributed to international counter-terrorism operations and intense global media focus on the Islamic State's brutality.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Jihadi John's real name?
A: His real name was Mohammed Emwazi, also known as Muhammad Jassim Abdulkarim Olayan al-Dhafiri.

### Q: How did Jihadi John die?
A: He was killed in action on 2015-11-12 in Raqqa, Syria, by a US drone strike.

### Q: Where did Jihadi John grow up?
A: He grew up in Kuwait, born in Al Jahra, and later moved to the United Kingdom.

### Q: What was Jihadi John's occupation before joining ISIS?
A: Before becoming involved with the Islamic State, he worked as a programmer.

## Why They Matter
Jihadi John's actions and media presence had a profound and lasting impact, shaping the global perception of the Islamic State's brutality and ruthlessness. His videos served as powerful propaganda tools, recruiting individuals worldwide and instilling terror internationally. His case highlighted the phenomenon of Western nationals joining extremist groups and the challenge of counter-terrorism in the digital age. The revelation of his identity as a British-educated programmer added a layer of shock and underscored the complex factors driving radicalization, influencing counter-narratives and intelligence efforts for years.

## Notable For
- Pseudonym origin: "Jihadi John" (derived from "jihad" and "John Lennon").
- Prominent executioner in Islamic State propaganda videos (2014-2015).
- Former computer programmer and University of Westminster graduate.
- Key figure in Islamic State hostage execution videos targeting Westerners.
- Killed by a US drone strike in Raqqa, Syria, in November 2015.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
- Born Muhammad Jassim Abdulkarim Olayan al-Dhafiri on 1988-08-17 in Al Jahra, Kuwait.
- Held dual citizenship: United Kingdom and Kuwait.
- Moved to the United Kingdom during his childhood/adolescence.
- Attended Quintin Kynaston Community Academy and later the University of Westminster.

### Education and Pre-Militant Career
- Educated at the University of Westminster in the UK.
- Worked as a programmer prior to becoming involved in militant activity.
- Reported to have studied computer programming or related fields.

### Affiliation and Militant Role with Islamic State
- Joined the Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL).
- Served as an executioner and warrior for the Islamic State.
- Role as executioner: Approximately August 2014 to January 2015.
- Role as warrior: Approximately 2012 to 2015.
- Partnered with El Shafee Elsheikh in militant activities.
- Became a central figure in Islamic State propaganda videos depicting hostage executions.

### Propaganda Persona
- Used the pseudonym "Jihadi John," noted to derive from "jihad" and "John Lennon".
- Known for his distinct British accent in execution videos.
-Aliases included Mohammed Emwazi, Muhammad Jassim Abdulkarim Olayan al-Dhafiri, and "John".

### Death
- Died on 2015-11-12 in Raqqa, Syria.
- Cause of death: Drone warfare (killed by a US airstrike).
- Classified as killed in action.
- Pentagon reported being "reasonably certain" the strike targeted and killed him.

### Identity Documentation
- ISNI: 0000000459141625
- GND ID: 1101965673
- VIAF ID: 23146095196300371218
- FAST ID: 1942350
- Freebase ID: /m/011qffmm
- Library of Congress Authority ID: no2016046704
- BBC Things ID: 3b7e703d-5556-4eb6-9983-c77f266bba82

### Other Information
- Languages spoken: Arabic, English.
- Religion: Islam.
- Member of: The Beatles (Note: This reference appears in the structured properties but lacks context within the source material provided. It is included factually as listed).
- Different from: John Walker Lindh.

## References

1. ['Jihadi John': US 'reasonably certain' strike killed IS militant. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2015](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34805924)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [US Airstrike Targets ‘Jihadi John’ in Syria, Pentagon Says. KTLA. 2015](http://ktla.com/2015/11/12/u-s-airstrike-targets-jihadi-john-in-syria/)
4. BBC Things
5. Library of Congress Control Number
6. Quora
7. [Jihadi John MBTI Personality Type: ISTP](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/59313/jihadi-john-radicals-mbti-personality-type)