American Marines shot the Pakistanis who broke into the embassy

Two officials have confirmed that American Marines fired upon protesters who stormed the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, in opposition to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The use of force at a diplomatic mission is a rare occurrence amidst massive protests across the country following the Iranian leader's death, and it is believed that this could lead to a further severe crisis.

Ten people died last Sunday when protesters attempted to breach the outer wall of the consulate after the country's Supreme Leader was killed in attacks on Iran. However, U.S. officials say it is still unclear whether these deaths were caused by Marine gunfire. Furthermore, there is no definitive information yet on whether private security officers or local police guarding the premises carried out the shootings. This marks the first time U.S. officials have publicly confirmed that Marines fired on protesters.

Although provincial government spokesperson Sukdev Asardas Hemnani stated that security forces carried out the shooting, he did not specify which party was responsible. Typically, daily security at such diplomatic sites is provided by private contractors and local security forces. Therefore, the intervention of Marine forces in this incident clearly demonstrates the seriousness of the threat to the consulate. Protests against the Iranian attack are currently spreading across Pakistan, home to the world's second-largest Shia Muslim community, and with twenty-six people dead, the Pakistani government took steps on Monday to ban public gatherings nationwide.

It is reported that tear gas attacks and shootings were carried out to control protesters who gathered near the consulate, chanting slogans against America and Israel. According to videos circulating on social media, at least one protester can be seen firing towards the consulate, and blood-soaked protesters fleeing amidst gunshots. A Karachi police official also confirmed that the shooting occurred from inside the consulate premises. However, the U.S. State Department has not yet issued any official statement regarding this.

Shia community leaders have called for continued protests in Lahore and Karachi, despite the nationwide ban. As a result, roads leading to the U.S. Consulate in Karachi have been blocked, and heavy police security has been deployed throughout the area. Authorities further state that similar stringent security measures have been provided for the U.S. Embassy in the capital Islamabad, as well as the Consulate in Lahore.

(Based on Reuters news)

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