Rare use of force at diplomatic post follows deadly breach amid protests over Khamenei assassination
Police and paramilitary vehicles stand outside the U.S. Consulate General, a day after a protest following news of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Karachi, Pakistan, March 2, 2026. REUTERS
KARACHI:
U.S. Marines opened fire on protesters during the storming of the Karachi consulate over the weekend, two U.S. officials said Monday – a rare use of force at a diplomatic post that could sharply escalate tensions in the country amid widespread protests over the assassination of Iran’s leader.
Ten people were killed Sunday when protesters breached the compound’s outer wall after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes against Iran.
Citing initial reports, the two U.S. officials said it was unclear whether the bullets fired by the Marines hit or killed anyone. They also did not know whether shots were fired by others protecting the mission, including private security guards and local police.
Read: At least 10 dead in clashes in Karachi during march to US consulate after Khamenei attack
It would mark the first confirmation by U.S. officials that Marines were involved in shooting protesters.
A provincial government spokesman, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, said “security” members opened fire, without specifying their affiliation.
Daily security operations at U.S. diplomatic missions are often conducted by private contractors and local forces, and the Marines’ involvement in the incident underscores the seriousness with which the consulate viewed the threat.
Pakistan is home to the second largest Shia community in the world after Iran. Pakistan on Monday banned large gatherings across the country after protests against strikes on Iran, which left 26 people dead across the country, spread.
Learn more: Sindh government launches investigation into US consulate incident
On Sunday, protesters chanted “Death to America! Death to Israel!” outside the consulate, where Reuters Journalists heard gunshots and saw tear gas being fired in the surrounding streets.
Video posted on social media appeared to show at least one protester firing a gun in the direction of the consulate and bloodied demonstrators running away as gunshots rang out.
A Karachi police official said Reuters that the shots had been fired from inside the consulate premises.
The U.S. Marines referred questions to the U.S. Army, which in turn referred questions to the State Department. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.
