Kamal Ghorui
United States troops opened fire on demonstrators angered by the killing of Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader and Shia stalwart Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in American-Israeli strikes, two US officials confirmed to Reuters on Monday. The protesters had stormed the US consulate in Pakistan’s Karachi over the weekend.The incident marks a rare use of force at a diplomatic mission and could sharply escalate tensions in Pakistan, where protests have spread following the killing of Iran’s leader.At least 10 people were killed on Sunday after protesters breached the consulate’s outer wall following strikes in Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.The US action against protesters comes at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir are seen as close to US President Donald Trump.Citing initial information, the two US officials said it was unclear whether rounds fired by Marines struck or killed anyone. They also said they did not know if others protecting the mission, including private security guards and local police, had also opened fire.This would be the first confirmation by US officials that Marines were involved in firing at the protesters.A provincial government spokesperson, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, said “security” personnel had opened fire but did not specify which force they belonged to.Security at US diplomatic missions is often handled by private contractors and local forces, and the involvement of Marines suggests the consulate considered the threat serious.Pakistan is home to the world’s second-largest Shia population after Iran. On Monday, the government banned large gatherings across the country after protests over the strikes on Iran spread, with 26 people reported dead nationwide.Protesters on Sunday chanted “Death to America! Death to Israel!” outside the consulate. Reuters reporters said they heard gunfire and saw tear gas being fired in nearby streets.Videos on social media appeared to show at least one protester firing a weapon toward the consulate, while injured demonstrators were seen running as shots rang out.A Karachi police official told Reuters that the shots were fired from inside the consulate compound.The US marines referred questions to the US military, which then directed queries to the state department. The state department did not respond to a request for comment.The Shia community leaders have called for more protests in Lahore and Karachi despite the nationwide ban on public gatherings.The US embassy in Pakistan is located in Islamabad, with additional consulates in Peshawar and Lahore.Authorities have blocked roads leading to the US consulate in Karachi and deployed heavy police forces in the area. Similar security measures have been put in place around US missions in Lahore and Islamabad.
US suspends visa appointments in Pakistan
Meanwhile, the United States has suspended all visa services in Pakistan, citing the “current security situation” in the country.The suspension applies to the US embassy in Islamabad as well as the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, according to a statement from the embassy.It said the cancellations will remain in effect until Friday, March 6.
