At least nine people have been confirmed killed, and many others injured after pro-Iranian protesters attempted to force their way into the United States consulate in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, local emergency officials said, amid rising tensions following the reported death of Iran’s supreme leader.
According to rescue workers, the violence erupted when a large crowd gathered outside the heavily guarded diplomatic compound, triggering a rapid security response by Pakistani authorities.
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Karachi Police spokesperson, Rehan Ali, said law enforcement officers were deployed shortly after the situation escalated, according to CNN.
“Hundreds of people suddenly appeared near the American consulate,” Ali was quoted as saying, adding that police moved quickly to contain the unrest.
Witness accounts and videos circulating on social media indicated that the demonstration was fueled by anger over recent US and Israeli military actions targeting neighbouring Iran.
Chants captured in several clips suggested protesters were reacting to developments linked to the regional crisis.
Footage, which CNN reported it verified and geolocated, showed groups of demonstrators breaching outer security barriers surrounding the consulate.
Some protesters were seen striking the building’s windows with sticks, while flames later appeared inside parts of the compound.
Gunshots were audible in at least one video, though authorities have not confirmed who fired the shots or under what circumstances.
The exact cause of the nine fatalities remained unclear at press time,, while officials had yet to release the identities of those killed.
Prior to the incident, the U.S. consulate in Karachi had already reportedly restricted the movement of its personnel due to heightened security concerns.
In a statement, the mission cited “current regional tensions” as the reason for the precautionary measures.
Pakistan, a predominantly Sunni Muslim country, has a significant Shiite population, many of whom maintain religious and political ties to Iran, where Shiite Islam is the state’s dominant branch.
Security forces have since tightened control around diplomatic facilities in Karachi as authorities seek to prevent further violence. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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