Khalilov was thought to operate in south-eastern Chechnya and the mountainous regions of western Dagestan. According to one expert cited by Radio Free Europe, "Khalilov's name and reputation was indeed comparable to that of Basayev." According to the Russian newspaper "Kommersant", Khalilov was "highly popular with the local youth, whom he is actively drawing into his ranks." He has refrained from attacking civilians and instead targeted strictly police and military targets, as well as government officials and politicians across the poverty-stricken republic of Dagestan.