American Sniper: Is The Butcher Based on a Real Enforcer?

In ‘American Sniper,’ the audience is provided a unique perspective into the Iraqi War through the eyes of Chris Kyle, an accomplished Navy SEALs sniper who racks up numerous kills on the ground. As the story focuses on the battlefield, we learn the ins and outs of the complex political situation engulfing the region and the military forces trying to gain the upper hand. One such notable figure is the Butcher, a ruthless enforcer working under the leadership of Zarqawi. The character spreads terror among the ranks of the Iraqi civilians for his brutal practices while also hindering the progress of the US forces on the ground. The narrative shapes him towards an antagonistic role, making him an integral player in the unending battle between the two sides.

The Butcher is Likely Inspired By a Real Militant

For large parts, ‘American Sniper’ chronicles the true story of Chris Kyle, based on his eponymous memoir. However, the film also takes creative liberties in certain moments for a more dramatic tale. As such, certain characters and events are partially inspired by truth while furnished with a degree of theatrics. The character of the Butcher fits in that special category. While there is no mention of an Iraqi figure with such a codename, the character is likely based on Abu Deraa, a Shia militant known for terrorizing Sunnis. Some rumors suggest that Deraa was behind the abduction and killings of several Sunnis, whose bodies were later recovered from a wasteland near Sadr City. In the movie, the Butcher embodies many characteristics similar to Deraa.

Although the exact movements of Deraa are shrouded in mystery, he is claimed to have forcibly evicted many Sunnis from predominantly Shia-inhabited regions of Baghdad, Iraq, and its nearby towns. His seemingly fictional counterpart is depicted as equally ruthless. When Chris and his team venture deeper into hostile territory, they stumble into a house inhabited by normal civilians. The father of the family, Sheikh Al-Obodi, relays information to Chris about Zarqawi’s movements and his second-in-command, The Butcher. Although the exchange of information is successful, Chris is devastated when The Butcher shows himself not long after and kills Obodi and his son in cold blood. It leaves the protagonist with a score to settle, especially because of the guilt Obodi’s death leaves him with.

As the story progresses, Chris becomes increasingly distant from his family and more drawn to the overseas conflict. It’s his constant run-ins with characters like The Butcher and Olympic sniper Mustafa that keep him rooted in the side of violence and trying to make amends as best he can. In some ways, he feels his job is unfinished unless he takes down the two fighters that are a thorn in the side of the US forces. To that end, The Butcher plays a special role in the movie, installing the first seeds of vengeance in the protagonist’s mind, keeping him focused and obsessed with delivering an outcome that is favorable for his side and his personal sense of justice. Thus, the character is a valuable addition to the overall narrative and also likely touches upon a real-life militant who garnered a fearsome reputation during the Insurgency.