Recent attacks on American and British companies in Baghdad represent a “desperate” attempt to destabilize Iraq and harm its reputation, according to Iraq’s Security Media Cell. On Thursday, a branch of the American company Caterpillar in the Jadriya neighborhood and the British Cambridge Institute on Palestine Street were targeted with sound grenades. These incidents occurred around 1:30 am, causing no casualties or material damage.

Iraq’s Security Media Cell released a statement condemning the attacks, labeling them as futile efforts to tarnish Iraq’s image, hinder reconstruction efforts, and undermine the sacrifices of the country's security forces. “Such actions are a desperate attempt to harm Iraq’s reputation, the direction of reconstruction and providing services to citizens, as well as the status and sacrifices of our security forces,” the statement read. The cell further emphasized that security forces and intelligence agencies are committed to tracking down and apprehending those responsible for these violations of security and societal peace.

These latest incidents follow a series of attacks targeting Western brands in Baghdad. Just days earlier, a branch of the popular American fast-food chain KFC on Palestine Street was attacked by two gunmen who threw an explosive device at the front door, resulting in material damage. Iraqi security forces swiftly responded, announcing the arrest of the perpetrators the following day. Subsequently, another KFC branch in Baghdad’s Karrada neighborhood was also attacked by a group of masked men.

These attacks are part of a broader trend of hostility towards Western companies in the Arab world, including boycotts of brands like KFC and Caterpillar, which are believed to have ties to Israel. The boycotts have significantly impacted the earnings of many popular chains, including McDonald’s and Starbucks. The backlash is in response to Israel’s military campaign against the Gaza Strip, which the Palestinian health ministry reports has resulted in over 36,000 deaths. Israel’s actions were in retaliation to a large-scale incursion into southern Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants from Gaza, which claimed over 1,170 lives.

Iraq has consistently expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause, frequently condemning the global community's perceived inaction regarding justice for Palestinians. The Security Media Cell’s statement underscores Iraq’s determination to maintain security and uphold its commitment to societal peace amid these challenges.