After attacks on US restaurants in Iraq, local factories are being targeted

Iraqi authorities are trying to stop renegade gangs from attacking American restaurant chains, and recent attacks have included local food factories and investments.

Although Baghdad police arrested some attackers, other groups have resumed attacks. A group called “Rubu Allah” has attacked restaurants in Baghdad and Basra with sticks and batons.

Authorities have arrested the masterminds behind the attacks on KFC and Chili House, among others, and announced that some of the attackers were security forces.

On Wednesday, the Iraqi Interior Ministry announced the arrest of suspects involved in recent attacks on restaurants and foreign assets in Baghdad.

The ministry said legal action had been taken against those arrested and an investigating judge had ordered their detention under the anti-terrorism law.

Efforts continue to track down and bring to justice other individuals involved in these attacks.

In response, security forces have raised their alert levels near American restaurants and factories in major cities amid public concern about the impact on foreign investment.

In the first wave of attacks late last month, militants used explosives and sound bombs against restaurants, later switching to sticks and batons to destroy interiors.

The authorities responded decisively, using anti-terrorism laws to issue arrest warrants on the grounds that the suspects would be tried as “terrorists.”

Videos show masked militants attacking restaurants while customers were eating, smashing windows and kitchen equipment. In other cases, angry men surrounded restaurants, blocking the entrance and holding anti-American signs.

The attacks also targeted well-known local companies with no foreign connections. The Baghdad Operations Command reported the arrest of several perpetrators who had attempted to vandalize a private dairy farm in Owerij, south of Baghdad.

The attackers used a government vehicle and are currently being investigated before being brought to justice, the command’s statement said.

Lieutenant General Walid Al-Tamimi, commander of operations in Baghdad, confirmed that the attack was carried out by “outlaws” and said measures had been taken to prevent attacks on restaurants, infrastructure and public property.