Karachi: At least nine killed near US consulate as protests over Khamenei's death spread
At least nine people were killed near a United States consulate in karachi after security forces opened fire to disperse hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters who tried to storm the building early on Sunday morning. The unrest followed the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes and has triggered demonstrations across Pakistan and abroad.
Karachi consulate clashes on Mai Kolachi Road
Security forces opened fire to scatter hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters who attempted to storm the US consulate building on the city’s Mai Kolachi Road early on Sunday morning. Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said at least nine bodies were brought to Karachi’s civil hospital, and several others were injured. Video footage shared online, which was verified, showed a wounded person being transported by bystanders while other images captured protesters trying to breach the consulate perimeter.
UN office in Skardu burned; Shabbir Mir cites large turnout
Large protests also broke out in other parts of Pakistan. Protesters set fire to a United Nations office building in the northern city of Skardu, in the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan region, an area known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists. Local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir said a large number of protesters gathered outside the UN office in Gilgit Baltistan and burned down the building, and he added that no casualties had been reported.
Lahore demonstration halted without force; Islamabad action expected
In the central city of Lahore, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate but there were no reports of violence. Aqeel Raza, a witness, said some protesters tried to damage the security gate located hundreds of yards from the consulate, but police stopped them without using force. A separate demonstration was expected near the diplomatic enclave housing the US embassy in Islamabad on Sunday afternoon.
Baghdad compound attacked as hundreds clash with heavy security
Demonstrations over Khamenei’s killing spread beyond Pakistan. In Baghdad, hundreds of Iraqis, many dressed in black, attempted to storm the compound housing the American embassy on Sunday despite a heavy security deployment. A masked protester named Ali said, "the martyrdom of Sayyed Ali Khamenei has hurt us, " and added, "We are here because we want the withdrawal of the occupying American forces from Iraq. " The comment referred to US-led coalition troops who have recently reduced their presence and are now mostly stationed in northern Iraq.
Srinagar rallies and Iran's national mourning
In Indian-administered Kashmir, several thousand Shia Muslims joined street demonstrations in the main city of Srinagar. Protesters carrying red, black, and yellow flags converged on the main square, and many chanted anti-Israel and anti-US slogans during an emotionally charged but largely peaceful gathering. Back in Iran's wider religious leadership, Iraq’s top Shia Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, urged Iranians to remain united as the government announced a three-day mourning period for Khamenei, who had been Iran’s top political authority since 1989.
