At Least 9 Dead In Clashes Outside US Consulate In Karachi During Demonstration Over Khamenei's Death

"The Imamia Students Organization (ISO), the student wing of Shi'a political and religious groups, advanced on the consulate on March 1, a day after Khamenei died in US and Israeli air strikes. The protesters smashed windows and doors at the consulate in an attempt to take over the building. They breached the perimeter, but not the actual building, as Pakistani security forces responded."

"Officials said the situation remains very tense in Karachi as police struggle to keep the protesters, estimated to number about 1,500, away from the area. Another group estimated to be double in size was seen moving toward the consulate from another road in the city. Clashes with security enforcement was reported there as well."

"The situation was similar in other cities around Pakistan, with protests by Shi'a Muslims, who comprise about 20 percent of the population, in Peshawar, Lahore, and the capital, Islamabad. In Islamabad, hundreds of protesters faced heavy tear gas shelling by the police as they attempt to reach the US Embassy there."

Hundreds of pro-Iran Shia Muslims from the Imamia Students Organization stormed the US Consulate in Karachi on March 1, following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in US and Israeli air strikes. The protesters breached the consulate's perimeter, smashing windows and doors, but Pakistani security forces prevented them from entering the building. Nine protesters were killed and 32 injured in the resulting clashes. Approximately 1,500 protesters gathered at the consulate, with another group double that size approaching from another direction. Similar demonstrations occurred in Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad, where hundreds faced tear gas while attempting to reach the US Embassy. Pakistani authorities invoked Section 144 to restrict gatherings and may deploy the army if protests escalate further.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty