As Iraqi forces tighten their noose around the city, which is expected to fall within the next few days, Abu Azrael — whose name means “father of the archangel of death” is known more and more.

The hero’s fan page on social media has attracted more than a quarter of a million supporters. They are regularly delighted by images of the muscular fighter swaggering fearlessly across the battlefield in military fatigues while he carries a large sword.

Abu Azrael is thought to be a 40-year-old former university lecturer and national taekwondo champion.