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Police in Pakistan are ramping up security after anti-Israel mobs in the country have attacked Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises to protest the United State’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza.
At least 178 people have been arrested so far in a dozen separate attacks on the finger-lickin-good stores — including protests in the southern port city of Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore and the capital Islamabad.
Three KFC restaurants were attacked over the past few days in Karachi, as police ramp up security.
Agitators armed with sticks and iron rods smashed windows, even set fire to some of the fast food joints.
One KFC employee was shot and killed on the outskirts of Lahore by an unknown gunman, police said.
There was no protest at the time and police are investigating whether the killing was politically motivated
KFC has long been viewed as a symbol of the United States in Pakistan, and it’s not the first time it’s fallen victim to anti-American sentiment and attacks.
The fried chicken stores and other American franchises, such as McDonald’s, were the site of attacks in 2006 by protesters angered by the publication of cartoons depicting Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Western brands have also been hit by boycotts in Pakistan and other Muslim countries over Israel’s war in Gaza.
The assaults were attributed to boycott campaigns against Western brands, particularly those perceived to support Israel. REUTERS
Earlier this month, religious leaders in Pakistan encouraged the boycott of American brands but asked people to stay peaceful.
At least 178 people have been arrested so far in a dozen separate attacks on the finger-lickin-good stores — including protests in the southern port city of Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore and the capital Islamabad.
Agitators armed with sticks and iron rods smashed windows, even set fire to some of the fast food joints.
One KFC employee was shot and killed on the outskirts of Lahore by an unknown gunman, police said.
There was no protest at the time and police are investigating whether the killing was politically motivated
KFC has long been viewed as a symbol of the United States in Pakistan, and it’s not the first time it’s fallen victim to anti-American sentiment and attacks.
The fried chicken stores and other American franchises, such as McDonald’s, were the site of attacks in 2006 by protesters angered by the publication of cartoons depicting Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Western brands have also been hit by boycotts in Pakistan and other Muslim countries over Israel’s war in Gaza.
The assaults were attributed to boycott campaigns against Western brands, particularly those perceived to support Israel. REUTERS
Earlier this month, religious leaders in Pakistan encouraged the boycott of American brands but asked people to stay peaceful.
