US Consulate in Karachi Attacked Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

At least 10 people have been killed and more than 70 others wounded near a United States consulate in the Pakistani city of Karachi following protests that erupted after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks. Violent clashes between security forces and pro-Iranian protesters attempting to storm the consulate occurred early Sunday morning.

Clashes in Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan

Security forces opened fire to disperse hundreds of protesters trying to storm the US consulate in Karachi, resulting in multiple casualties. Video footage verified by Al Jazeera showed wounded individuals being transported by bystanders, while other images depicted protesters attempting to breach the consulate building on Mai Kolachi Road.

In Gilgit Baltistan, at least seven people were killed, and dozens more were wounded, according to rescue official Zaheer Shah, as reported by AFP .

Security Measures and Protests in Other Cities

In Islamabad, roads leading to the Red Zone, which houses diplomatic missions including the US embassy and parliament, were blocked by police. Tear gas was deployed when hundreds of protesters attempted to march towards the diplomatic enclave, according to Reuters .

A United Nations office building in Skardu, in the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan region, was set ablaze by protesters. Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir reported no casualties .

In Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate, but no violence was reported. Witnesses stated that protesters attempted to damage a security gate but were stopped by police without the use of force .

A demonstration is also expected near the US embassy in Islamabad on Sunday afternoon.

International Protests

Demonstrations over Khamenei’s killing have also broken out in other countries, including Iraq and Indian-administered Kashmir. In Baghdad, hundreds of Iraqis attempted to storm the compound housing the US embassy despite a heavy security deployment. One protester told AFP they were demonstrating against the presence of US forces in Iraq .

Iraq’s top Shia Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged Iranians to remain united during a three-day mourning period for Khamenei .

In Indian-administered Kashmir, several thousand Shia Muslims participated in street demonstrations in Srinagar, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans .