Marines fired at protestors outside Karachi consulate; US Republican candidate confirms

KARACHI: United States Marines reportedly fired at demonstrators attempting to storm the US consulate in Karachi over the weekend, US officials confirmed on Monday. The rare use of force at a diplomatic mission comes amid nationwide protests following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The violent incident on Sunday left 11 people dead after protesters breached the consulate’s outer wall. It remains unclear whether any of the shots fired by Marines hit or killed demonstrators, and officials have not confirmed whether other security personnel, including private contractors or local police, also discharged weapons.

This marks the first public acknowledgment from US authorities that Marines were involved in firing on the crowd. A spokesman for the Sindh government, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, said “security personnel” opened fire but did not clarify their affiliation.

Security at US diplomatic posts typically involves a combination of local police and private contractors. The reported involvement of Marines highlights the seriousness of the threat perceived by the consulate.

Eyewitnesses and social media footage showed protesters chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans outside the compound, with some seen firing weapons toward the consulate. Tear gas was reportedly deployed in surrounding streets, and video showed demonstrators fleeing the scene with injuries.

Karachi police confirmed that gunfire originated from inside the consulate premises. The US Marines directed media inquiries to the US military, which referred questions to the State Department. The department did not respond to requests for comment.

US political figures also reacted on social media. Vic Mellor, a Republican candidate from Rhode Island and Marine veteran, described the protesters as “armed rioters” and said Marines defended the consulate perimeter, emphasizing the message that attacks on US property will not be tolerated.

In response to the unrest, authorities banned large public gatherings across Punjab, Islamabad, and Karachi. The ongoing protests have resulted in 26 deaths nationwide. Police have filed multiple cases against unidentified individuals involved in vandalism, arson, and gunfire at the consulate and surrounding areas, including incidents on the Native Jetty Bridge that injured civilians.

Despite the ban on demonstrations, religious leaders have called for further protests in Karachi and Lahore. Security measures, including roadblocks and heavy police deployment, remain in place around US missions in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.