Baghdad Operations Command orders complete closure of Karrada
Palestine Street in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo: Mawazin News
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Baghdad Operations Command issued an order on Monday to completely close the entrances and exits of the Karrada area.
A security source revealed that the step follows attacks against American restaurants on Palestine Street.
Security forces closed several American restaurants and agencies in the Jadriya and Zayouna areas, including the KFC and Chili House restaurant, for fear of being stormed and destroyed by armed groups amid the deployment of National Security Service personnel.
A week ago, three American restaurants were attacked in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, within 24 hours.
Local media outlets said that the attacks are linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, as famous American fast-food business KFC is one of several Western companies that have faced demands for boycotts due to their apparent ties to Israel.
Over 35,000 people have died as a result of Israel’s devastating military operation against the Gaza Strip, which has prompted the boycotts.
Israel launched its military operations in retaliation for an attack carried out by Hamas in southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people.