Deadly Outbreak of Violence at US Diplomatic Site in Pakistan
In the wake of the demise of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a violent protest erupted near a US diplomatic building in Karachi, Pakistan. The incident led to the tragic death of at least nine individuals, while several others sustained injuries.
Security forces resorted to gunfire in an attempt to disperse a crowd of hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators who sought to invade the consulate in the early hours of Sunday.
Medical Confirmation of Casualties
A doctor who specializes in trauma care confirmed that at least nine deceased victims were transported to a local hospital in Karachi. Furthermore, video clips circulating online, which have been verified for authenticity, depict a wounded person being aided by bystanders. Additional footage reveals protesters attempting to breach the US consulate building situated on a major road in the city.
Protests Spread to Other Regions
Similar protests have erupted in various parts of Pakistan. In Skardu, a city located in the northern part of the country, demonstrators set a United Nations office building on fire. This city is part of the Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan region, which is recognized for its beautiful Himalayan peaks that attract numerous tourists.
A government representative reported that a large crowd gathered outside the UN office and set the building ablaze. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported from this incident.
In Lahore, a city located in the heart of the country, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US consulate, but there were no reports of violent incidents. An eyewitness stated that some protesters attempted to damage the security gate, which is located a significant distance from the consulate, but the police managed to deter them without resorting to violence.
Another protest is anticipated near the diplomatic enclave that houses the US embassy in the country's capital, Islamabad.
Global Outcry Over Khamenei's Death
The death of Khamenei has sparked protests not only in Pakistan but also in other parts of the world, including Iraq and Indian-administered Kashmir. In Baghdad, hundreds of Iraqis, many of them dressed in black, tried to storm the compound housing the American embassy despite heavy security presence.
One of the masked protesters expressed that the death of Khamenei had deeply affected them and the reason for their protest was to demand the withdrawal of the American forces in Iraq. The US-led coalition troops have recently minimized their presence and are now largely stationed in the northern part of Iraq.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iraq's senior Shia Muslim cleric, has called for unity among Iranians as a three-day mourning period for Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989, was announced.
In Srinagar, the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir, several thousand Shia Muslims staged street demonstrations. Protesters held flags of different colors and chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Despite the highly emotional atmosphere, the gathering remained largely peaceful.
A participant expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved leader. He conveyed a message to the US President, stating that they will continue to stand against oppression.