At least nine pro-Iranian persons were reported killed and dozens injured on Sunday after alleged clashes broke out with police as demonstrators allegedly attempted to storm the gates of the United States Consulate General in Karachi, Pakistan, according to media reports.
The violence allegedly erupted after large crowds gathered outside the consulate following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in a joint U.S.–Israeli strike.
It is learned that hundreds of protesters assembled near the diplomatic compound, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel and condemning the military action against Iran.
Initial reports indicated that some demonstrators breached sections of the outer security perimeter and began damaging property near the compound. Police and paramilitary forces responded by firing tear gas and using batons in an attempt to disperse the crowd, before gunfire was reported during the confrontation.
The unrest in Karachi came amid broader demonstrations across Pakistan following news of Khamenei’s death.
In the northern city of Skardu, protesters reportedly set fire to a United Nations office building in the otherwise peaceful Shi’ite-majority region of Gilgit-Baltistan, a mountainous area known for tourism.
Protests were also reported in Lahore, where demonstrators gathered to denounce the strikes on Iran.
Authorities have since increased security around U.S. diplomatic facilities across the country and urged the public to remain calm and avoid violent demonstrations.
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