9 Killed in Attack on U.S. Consulate in Karachi After Khamenei Death

Darwin, 01 March :

At least nine people were killed after protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Karachi following reports confirming the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli strikes, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred on Sunday in Pakistan’s largest city, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the diplomatic compound. The protest reportedly erupted after Tehran confirmed Khamenei’s death in recent attacks.

According to CNN, citing local emergency officials, clashes broke out when protesters attempted to breach security barriers surrounding the consulate. Police responded with force to disperse the crowd.

Karachi police spokesperson Rehan Ali said the situation escalated rapidly as demonstrators tried to force their way toward the building. Security personnel were deployed to regain control of the area.

Videos circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN showed protesters smashing windows with sticks and setting parts of the compound ablaze. Gunfire could also be heard in some of the footage.

Authorities confirmed that nine people were killed in the violence. The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths have not yet been fully clarified. At least 20 others were reported injured and taken to nearby hospitals.

CNN reported that it has reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for comment.

Amid heightened regional tensions, movement of U.S. government personnel in Karachi had already been restricted prior to the attack, according to an earlier statement from the consulate.