US Marines open fire on Pakistani protesters in Karachi, 10 killed and over 30 injured

The financial hub of Pakistan, Karachi, descended into chaos on Sunday as violent clashes outside the United States Consulate left at least 10 protesters dead and over 30 others injured. The bloodshed occurred when US Marine security personnel reportedly opened fire on a massive crowd that attempted to breach the high-security diplomatic compound. These demonstrations were sparked by widespread outrage following the US-Israeli military strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier this weekend.

The unrest began when protesters, primarily organized by local Shia groups, marched from Sultanabad toward the Mai Kolachi area. Chanting slogans against Washington and Tel Aviv, the mob grew increasingly aggressive as it reached the barricades protecting the consulate. While Pakistani police initially used tear gas to disperse the crowd, the situation spiraled out of control when demonstrators allegedly hurled stones and tried to advance into restricted zones, prompting the lethal response from the consulate's internal security team.

In response to the escalating violence, Karachi authorities have sealed off major transit routes, including MT Khan Road and several key intersections near the diplomatic zone. Traffic police have issued urgent advisories for commuters to avoid the southern parts of the city as the atmosphere remains highly volatile. While local media reports have cited specific casualty figures, both Pakistani government officials and the US State Department have yet to provide an independent or official confirmation of the death toll.