US Marines opened fire during violent protests at the United States Consulate over the weekend, killing at least 10 people, US officials said on Monday. The incident marks a rare use of force at a US diplomatic mission and risks further escalating tensions in Pakistan amid widespread protests over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
According to two US officials, demonstrators breached the outer wall of the consulate on Sunday after news spread that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in strikes on Iran. The officials said it remains unclear whether gunfire from Marines caused the deaths or injuries. They also said they could not confirm whether shots were fired by other security personnel, including private guards or local police.
This is the first time US officials have confirmed that Marines were involved in firing at protesters during the incident.
A provincial government spokesman, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, said only that “security personnel” opened fire, without specifying which force was responsible.
US diplomatic missions are typically protected by private contractors and local security forces. The involvement of Marines highlights the level of threat perceived by the consulate during the unrest.
Pakistan, home to the world’s second-largest Shi’ite population after Iran, has seen widespread protests following the strikes on Iran. Authorities imposed a nationwide ban on large gatherings on Monday after unrest spread across the country. Officials said at least 26 people were killed nationwide during the protests.
Reuters reporters said demonstrators outside the Karachi consulate chanted slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Gunfire and tear gas were heard and seen in nearby streets as security forces tried to disperse the crowd.
Videos shared on social media appeared to show at least one protester firing a weapon toward the consulate and injured demonstrators fleeing as shots rang out. A Karachi police official told Reuters that shots were fired from inside the consulate compound.
The United States Marine Corps referred media queries to the US military, which in turn directed questions to the US State Department. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite the ban on public gatherings, Shi’ite community leaders have called for further protests in Karachi and Lahore.
The US Embassy in Pakistan is located in Islamabad, with consulates also operating in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. Security was tightened at all US diplomatic facilities on Monday, with roads blocked and a heavy police presence deployed around the missions.
