While a number of the members of the council , also known as the Sons of Iraq , have been integrated into Iraq 's security forces , the sheikh has said he maintains a militia of about 80,000 . Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha was head of the Anbar Awakening Council . He was on patrol with Iraqi security forces in Syria when he was killed . He is the nephew of Mohammed Khamis Abu Risha , head of the Ramadi Awakening Council .
Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha was head of the Anbar Awakening Council . He was on patrol with Iraqi security forces in Syria when he was killed . He is the nephew of Mohammed Khamis Abu Risha , head of the Ramadi Awakening Council .