Deadly Protest Outside US Consulate in Pakistan: At Least 9 Killed

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US and Israeli strike triggered violent protests in Pakistan, with deadly clashes breaking out near the United States Consulate in the southern city of Karachi. At least nine people were killed as security forces confronted hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators attempting to storm the diplomatic compound.

Clashes near US Consulate

According to officials, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Consulate early Sunday morning. As demonstrators attempted to breach security barriers and advance toward the compound on Mai Kolachi Road, security forces opened fire to disperse the crowd.

At least nine bodies were transported to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, authorities confirmed. Several others were injured in the confrontation.

Verified video footage showed wounded individuals being carried away by bystanders, while other images captured protesters trying to push through security gates surrounding the consulate building.

Unrest spreads across Pakistan

The unrest quickly spread beyond Karachi.

In Skardu, located in the Shia-majority Gilgit-Baltistan region in northern Pakistan, protesters set fire to a United Nations office building. Local officials confirmed that while the building was burned, no casualties were reported.

In the central city of Lahore, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the US Consulate. Some protesters attempted to damage a security gate located hundreds of yards from the diplomatic facility, but police managed to prevent escalation without using force.

Further demonstrations expected

Authorities anticipate another demonstration near the diplomatic enclave in the capital Islamabad, where the US Embassy is located. Security has been heightened across major cities amid fears of further violence.