US Marines open fire on protesters storming consulate in Pakistan

US Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the Karachi consulate over the weekend, Reuters writes, citing two US officials.

Shouting “Death to America! Death to Israel!” the demonstrators tried to attack the consulate following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident resulted in ten fatalities.

US officials noted that it is unclear whose fire caused the deaths, as reports indicate that other forces defending the diplomatic mission—including private security personnel and local police—may also have fired shots.

Amid widespread protests against the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the Pakistani government imposed a nationwide ban on public gatherings on Monday. However, leaders of the country’s Shia community called for additional protests in Lahore and Karachi.

Pakistan is home to the world’s second‑largest Shia community after Iran.