U.S. Marines fired on protesters storming consulate in Karachi, officials say

U.S. Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the Karachi consulate over the weekend, two U.S. officials said on Monday—a rare use of force at a diplomatic post that could sharply escalate tensions in the country amid widespread protests over the killing of Iran's leader.



Ten people were killed on Sunday when protesters breached the compound's outer wall after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes on Iran.



Citing initial information, the two U.S. officials said it was unclear whether rounds fired by Marines struck or killed anyone. They also did not know whether shots were also fired by others protecting the mission, including private security guards and local police.



This would mark the first confirmation by U.S. officials that Marines were involved in firing at the protestors.



On Monday, Pakistan banned large gatherings nationwide after the protests over the strikes on Iran spread, with 26 people reported dead across the country.