Who Is Jihadi John? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jihadi John, born Mohammed Emwazi on August 17, 1988, was a Kuwaiti-British terrorist known for his role as an executioner for the Islamic State (ISIS). His notoriety peaked in 2014 and 2015, when he was identified as the masked figure behind a series of high-profile beheadings in videos released by ISIS. Emwazi was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2015 in Raqqa, Syria, but his chilling presence and the stories surrounding him continue to provoke discussions on terrorism and extremism.
By 2025, had he survived, Jihadi John would have been 37 years old. His early years in Kuwait and later life in the UK shaped his worldview and ideology, leading to his eventual radicalization. His biography continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities that can lead individuals down paths of violence and ideology.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1988<ref name=skyadu> |
| Age | 27 Years |
| Birth Place | Al Jahra, Kuwait |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | Kuwait |
| Date of death | 12 November, 2015 |
| Died Place | Raqqa, Syria |
Popularity
Jihadi John's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jihadi John was known for his menacing presence, often depicted in videos wearing a black mask. While exact measurements are not publicly documented, in his visible appearances he was described as tall with a robust build, estimated to be around 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds (79 kg). His physical stature contributed to the fear that he instilled in audiences worldwide.
"Jihadi John" became the subject of a manhunt by the FBI, MI5, and Scotland Yard. In his videos, "Jihadi John" concealed his identity by covering himself from head to toe in black, except for tan desert boots, with a mask that left only his eyes visible. Despite this, several facts about "Jihadi John" could be ascertained from both videos.
He spoke with an apparent London or southern England accent. In both videos, he was seen to sport a pistol in a leather shoulder holster under his left shoulder, typical of right-handed people, but his actions in the videos suggest he is left-handed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jihadi John's family background is rooted in a middle-class Kuwaiti family who moved to the UK when he was a child. He was notably private about his personal life, and there is little publicly available information about any romantic relationships or friendships. Speculations have arisen, but no confirmed information about a girlfriend or wife exists due to his secretive nature and the circumstances surrounding his life in radical militant groups.
In March 2015, the media reported that his mother had recognised Jihadi John's voice as her son's; meanwhile, his father denied that this had happened or that Emwazi was Jihadi John.
Net Worth and Salary
While the exact net worth of Jihadi John remains unknown, it is believed that his involvement with ISIS provided him with a substantial income, particularly as a prominent figure within the organization. Analysts suggest that high-ranking members of ISIS could have earned salaries ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per month, alongside additional sources of income through various illicit activities. However, following his death, any assets would have been seized or lost.
Career, Business and Investments
Jihadi John did not have a conventional career path; his notoriety came solely from his involvement with ISIS as an executioner and spokesperson. Emwazi's radicalization began after his experiences with law enforcement and a series of disillusioning events, leading him to a life that would culminate in a dangerous reign of terror. His "business," if it can be called that, was one marked by violence and extremism rather than traditional economic ventures or investments.
In 2006, he went to the University of Westminster, studying Information Systems with Business Management. He secured a lower second-class Bachelor of Science honours degree on graduation three years later. At age 21, he worked as a salesman at an IT company in Kuwait and was considered by his boss as the best employee the company ever had.
Social Network
Given his notorious position within ISIS, Jihadi John's presence on social media was closely tied to the organization's propaganda efforts rather than any personal accounts. Additionally, he utilized various online platforms to propagate extremist ideologies, although his activities were conducted in secret. In contrast, his legacy has led to a significant focus on counter-terrorism efforts on digital networks to combat radicalization that stemmed from figures like him.
In a video uploaded to YouTube on 19 August 2014, Foley read a prepared statement criticising the United States, the recent airstrikes in Iraq, and his brother who serves in the US Air Force.
Emwazi, wearing a mask, also read a prepared statement in which he criticised the US and President Barack Obama and made demands to cease the 2014 American-led intervention in Iraq. The masked man then beheaded Foley off-camera, after which he threatened to behead Steven Sotloff if his demands were not met.
The FBI and US National Security Council confirmed that the video, which included footage of Foley's beheaded corpse, was genuine.
Education
Jihadi John was educated in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in computer programming from the University of Westminster. This academic background further fueled discussions about how education interacts with radicalization; many experts suggest that even those with higher education can become susceptible to extremist ideologies under specific circumstances.
The family, who were Bidoon of Iraqi origin, lived in the Taima area of the town of Al Jahra, which was known as a "slumtown" where stateless people were ghettoized by the Kuwaiti government. They were undocumented, considered stateless and without Kuwaiti citizenship status. The family moved to the United Kingdom in 1994 when he was six.
They settled in inner west London, moving between several properties in Maida Vale, including subsidised accommodation, later living in St John's Wood and finally in Queen's Park. Emwazi attended St Mary Magdalene Church of England primary school, and later Quintin Kynaston School.
According to his former headteacher, Emwazi experienced some bullying at school.
