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US Marines Open Fire as Protesters Storm US Consulate in Karachi, 11 Dead
US Marines opened fire as protesters stormed the US Consulate in Karachi following the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At least 11 people were killed. A JIT has been formed to probe the incident.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-03
US Marines Open Fire as Protesters Storm US Consulate in Karachi, 11 Dead

United States Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the US Consulate in Karachi over the weekend, two US officials confirmed on Monday — marking a rare use of force at an American diplomatic mission and raising fears of escalating unrest across Pakistan.

The violence erupted on Sunday after widespread protests broke out over the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes on Iran. Demonstrators breached the outer wall of the US Consulate compound in Karachi, prompting a forceful response from security personnel.

According to US officials, it remains unclear whether the rounds fired by Marines struck or killed anyone. Officials also said they could not confirm whether additional shots were fired by private security contractors or local law enforcement agencies protecting the mission.

The confirmation marks the first time US authorities have acknowledged that Marines were directly involved in firing during the incident.

A Sindh government spokesperson, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, stated that “security” personnel had opened fire but did not specify which force was responsible.

Reuters reporters at the scene reported hearing gunfire and witnessing tear gas being deployed in surrounding streets as protesters chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. Social media footage appeared to show at least one protester firing a weapon toward the consulate, while injured demonstrators were seen fleeing amid gunshots.

A Karachi police official told Reuters that the shots originated from within the consulate premises.

The US State Department has not yet issued an official comment. The US Marines referred questions to the military, which in turn directed inquiries to the State Department.

Investigation Underway

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced that a high-powered Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been constituted to probe the incident. Speaking to Geo News, he said a fact-finding report is expected within 15 days.

“Once the investigation is complete, we will be able to determine exactly how this happened and whose bullets hit whom,” Memon said, adding that CCTV footage indicates some individuals in the crowd were armed.

Separately, a notification from the Sindh Inspector General confirmed the formation of a committee headed by Counter Terrorism Department Additional Inspector General Zulfiqar Ali Larik. The panel has been tasked with establishing the facts, identifying potential security lapses, examining the role of police and external elements, and recommending remedial measures.

Police have registered multiple FIRs against unidentified protesters for vandalism, arson, and armed violence. One case pertains to damage to the consulate building, another to the burning of a nearby police post, and a third to violence on Native Jetty Bridge, where two women sustained bullet injuries.

Political Reactions and Nationwide Restrictions

The unrest has spread beyond Karachi. Authorities have imposed bans on large public gatherings across Punjab, Islamabad, and Karachi after protests over the strikes on Iran intensified. At least 26 deaths have been reported nationwide.

Vic Mellor, a Republican candidate from Rhode Island and US Marine veteran, reacted strongly on social media, stating that armed rioters had attempted to storm the consulate and that Marines “sent a message the entire world just heard.”

Religious leaders have called for further demonstrations in Lahore and Karachi despite the restrictions.

Roads leading to the US Consulate in Karachi remain sealed, with a heavy deployment of police and security personnel. Similar security measures have been implemented around US diplomatic missions in Islamabad and Lahore.

The United States maintains its embassy in Islamabad and operates additional consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

As investigations proceed, the incident threatens to deepen diplomatic tensions and heighten security concerns amid an already volatile regional climate.
Tagged:

Karachi

PakistanProtests

USConsulate

USMarines
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