KARACHI: United States Marines opened fire on demonstrators who stormed the US Consulate in Karachi over the weekend, two US officials confirmed on Monday, marking a rare instance of force used by Marines at a diplomatic mission amid escalating unrest following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
At least 10 people were killed on Sunday after protesters breached the outer wall of the consulate compound in Karachi. According to initial information cited by the US officials, it remains unclear whether any of the rounds fired by the Marines struck or killed individuals. The officials also said they did not know whether private security personnel or local police guarding the mission had also discharged their weapons.
This is the first confirmation by US authorities that Marines were involved in firing during the incident.
Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani stated that “security personnel” had opened fire but did not specify their affiliation.
Security at US diplomatic missions is typically handled by private contractors and host nation forces for routine operations. The reported involvement of Marines underscores the seriousness with which the consulate assessed the threat.
Following the spread of protests across the country over the strikes on Iran, authorities on Monday imposed a nationwide ban on public gatherings. Reports indicate that 26 people have died in protest-related incidents across Pakistan.
On Sunday, demonstrators gathered outside the Karachi consulate chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and the use of tear gas in surrounding streets. Social media footage appeared to show at least one protester firing a weapon toward the consulate compound, while injured demonstrators were seen fleeing the scene.
A Karachi police official said shots were fired from inside the consulate premises.
The US Marines referred media inquiries to the US military, which in turn directed questions to the State Department. The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Religious community leaders have called for further protests in Lahore and Karachi despite the nationwide restrictions. The US Embassy in Pakistan is located in Islamabad, with additional consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Roads leading to the Karachi consulate were sealed off with a heavy police presence, while similar security measures were implemented around US missions in Lahore and Islamabad.