World
6 Dead, 20 Hurt in Karachi Clash as Pro-Iran Mob Storms US Consulate Over Khamenei Crisis
Linda Ike
No fewer than six people died and 20 were injured when pro-Iran protesters tried to break into the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan’s southern port city.
The violence exploded amid fury over reports of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in US-Israeli strikes.
It was gathered that violence erupted when a huge crowd surged toward the guarded diplomatic compound, prompting Pakistani police to rush in.
Karachi Police spokesman, Rehan Ali said, “Hundreds suddenly appeared near the American consulate,” forcing officers to contain the chaos quickly.
Social media videos verified and geolocated by CNN showed protesters smashing outer barriers, hurling sticks at windows, and flames inside the building. Gunshots rang out in clips, but who fired and why remains unclear.
The rally stemmed from anger at US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Pakistan, mostly Sunni with a large Shiite minority tied to Iran, saw the US consulate already on high alert, limiting staff movement on Saturday due to regional tensions.
Authorities haven’t named the dead or pinpointed fatality causes. Security has locked down diplomatic sites in Karachi, with probes ongoing to stop more unrest.