An ethnic Balkar,[1] Dzhappuyev became the emir of Vilayat of Kabarda-Balkaria-Karachay on 16 May 2010 following the killing of his predecessor, Anzor Astemirov, by the Russian security services. Under Dzhappuyev's command, there was a substantial increase in the number of attacks carried out by the United Vilayat of Kabarda-Balkaria-Karachay. While he encouraged his fighters to avoid civilian casualties, other young commanders like Ratmir Shameyev were more radical.[2]