Iraqi elite counterterrorism forces, which played a pivotal role in defeating ISIS, have returned to patrolling the streets of Baghdad, but this time with a new mission: protecting American restaurants from what The Washington Post described as “vandals angry over the Gaza war.”
In recent weeks, Iraqi militias have targeted several American restaurants, claiming they fund Israeli military operations in Gaza. Masked men have attacked branches of Kentucky Fried Chicken and the popular Lee Restaurant. A statement from these militias declared, “We reject the use of Iraqi land for such investment projects.”
The Washington Post explained that Iraq has responded to these disturbances by deploying US-trained counterterrorism units throughout Baghdad to prevent further violence. Analysts suggest that the Iraqi authorities’ efforts aim to reassure foreign investors and signal to militant groups that government forces are in control. The American newspaper quoted Ali, a 23-year-old member of the counterterrorism forces now stationed in the bustling Karrada district in central Baghdad, where many international restaurants are located: “It’s strange to be assigned to protect a restaurant,” he said. “We are special forces, not personal bodyguards.”
Recent weeks have seen a series of attacks targeting American and British businesses in Iraq, including franchises like Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chili House, and the Cambridge Institute. These attacks have been attributed to Iraqi militias, who allege that these businesses support Israeli military operations in Gaza. Masked assailants have specifically targeted branches of these chains in Baghdad, leading to increased security measures by the Iraqi government. U.S.-trained Iraqi counterterrorism units have been deployed across Baghdad to prevent further violence and assure foreign investors of the government’s control and commitment to safety.
The U.S. has urged the Iraqi government to take decisive action against the perpetrators. Arrests have been made, including members of the Iraqi security forces involved in the attacks. This response aims to maintain stability and protect foreign investments, emphasizing that such violence ultimately harms Iraqi citizens and the national economy.
