Violent protests broke out outside the United States Consulate in Karachi on Sunday after reports spread about the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation quickly turned chaotic. Demonstrators gathered in large numbers and began smashing windows of the consulate building, expressing deep anger over what they believed was his assassination. Pakistani police responded with tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, and several people were injured during the clashes.

The unrest began early Sunday morning, only hours after Iran’s state media announced that Khamenei had been killed in coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28. Khamenei had been Iran’s highest authority since 1989, when he took over after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. For more than thirty years, he led the Islamic Republic and shaped its political and religious direction. News of his reported assassination spread quickly across the region, triggering anger and shock.

In Karachi, a large crowd gathered outside the US Consulate located on Mai Kolachi Road. Videos shared widely on social media showed protesters directly attacking the building. Some individuals were seen smashing windows while others shouted slogans condemning the United States and Israel. Many protesters were carrying sticks, which they used to damage windows and other property inside the consulate premises.

The situation became even more tense when parts of the crowd attempted to set fire to the building and nearby properties. Flames and smoke were visible in some clips circulating online, adding to the panic in the area.

Reports of Gunfire and Casualties

According to claims circulating on social media, US Marines stationed inside the consulate allegedly opened fire on the protesters. One post on X stated that eight protesters were killed and 20 others were injured in the firing. These claims have not been officially confirmed by US authorities at the time of reporting, but they have fueled further outrage among demonstrators.

At the same time, local police forces moved in to regain control of the situation. The Edhi Rescue service reported that police used water cannons, tear gas shells, and baton charges to disperse the crowd. Several protesters were injured during these efforts. Ambulances were seen rushing the wounded to Civil Hospital Karachi for medical treatment.

Following the incident, the US Consulate was evacuated, and security forces were deployed around the premises. The area was placed under tight security. Karachi Traffic Police also shut down both directions of Mai Kolachi Road from the Sultanabad Traffic Section. Vehicles were redirected through alternate routes, including Jinnah Bridge toward I.I. Chundrigar Road, causing significant traffic disruption across the city.

Hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the consulate grounds. They broke through gates, shattered windows, and reportedly set parts of the building on fire. Social media videos captured the intensity of the moment, with demonstrators shouting, “We are setting the American consulate in Karachi on fire… God willing, we are avenging the killing of our leader.” The chants echoed loudly as the confrontation between protesters and security forces continued for hours.

Police and paramilitary personnel tried repeatedly to push back the crowd using tear gas and baton charges, but clashes went on for a prolonged period. Local police official Mohammad Jawad confirmed that at least one person had died and several others were injured during earlier confrontations. Later, reports indicated that the death toll had risen to eight.

The violence in Karachi is unfolding as part of a broader regional escalation. Early Sunday morning, Iran reportedly launched a sixth wave of missile and drone attacks targeting US and Israeli positions. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported explosions in several capitals and major cities across the Middle East.

In Israel, missile launches from Iran triggered warning sirens across central and southern regions. Defensive systems were activated to intercept incoming threats. The situation has also had consequences beyond Israel. In the United Arab Emirates, debris from an aerial interception over Dubai’s Business Bay reportedly caused fires at Jebel Ali port. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising into the city skyline, increasing concerns about the growing conflict.

Within Pakistan, protests have not been limited to Karachi. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in cities such as Lahore and Skardu. A demonstration is also expected near the US Embassy in Islamabad. Authorities across the country have urged residents to stay away from diplomatic compounds, warning that security remains on high alert as tensions continue to rise.