Security sources and eyewitnesses said that an explosion targeted a fast food restaurant on a major street in eastern Baghdad today, Sunday, without causing any injuries.
The sources stated that armed individuals targeted the “KFC” fast food restaurant with an explosive device on Palestine Street in Baghdad today, causing damage to the restaurant’s facade without any injuries.
The Baghdad Operations Command confirmed in a statement published on the “Sumaria News” website that, after monitoring surveillance cameras, they were able to identify and track the perpetrators, arrest them, and seize the motorcycle and weapons in their possession.
Over the past two years, the security situation in Baghdad has been marked by significant political instability and sporadic violence. The ongoing political crises have largely stemmed from the fractured political landscape post-2003 invasion, which dismantled the Iraqi security apparatus and led to a prolonged period of rebuilding and reform with varying degrees of success and failure.
A major aspect of Baghdad’s recent unrest involves the protests and political movements centered around anti-government sentiments and calls for reform. The Tishreen Movement, which started in October 2019, was a significant manifestation of public discontent, demanding jobs, better public services, and an end to endemic corruption. Although the protests initially led to the resignation of the government and spurred electoral reform, they have also seen severe crackdowns by security forces and associated militias, which led to violence and casualties.
In terms of actual security threats, Baghdad has faced increased measures around sensitive areas such as the Green Zone, especially during times of heightened protest activities. For instance, in August and September 2022, as the third anniversary of the 2019 protests approached, there were significant security build-ups to prevent protestors from entering key governmental areas.
Additionally, the political stalemate has been exacerbated by factional conflicts within the Shiite political landscape, particularly between the followers of Muqtada al-Sadr and the Iran-backed Coordination Framework. This rivalry has occasionally escalated into violent confrontations, such as the clashes in the Green Zone involving al-Sadr’s supporters, which resulted in casualties and heightened tensions
