Mob attacks US Consulate in Karachi, 10 killed as anger erupts over killing of Iran’s Khamenei | Video

Karachi news: At least ten people were killed, and 32 injured after hundreds of protesters attacked the United States Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, smashing windows and clashing with security forces amid widespread anger over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint United States–Israeli strikes, PTI reported.

Pakistani police fired tear gas on Sunday to scatter protesters who breached the outer wall of the US consulate in the southern city of Karachi following news of US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pro-Iranian protesters also gathered outside the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, where the US Embassy is located.

The violence marked one of the most serious anti-American demonstrations in Pakistan in recent years, underscoring the rapidly expanding regional fallout following the assassination of Iran’s most powerful political and religious figure.

Protesters set fire to a United Nations office building in Pakistan's northern city of Skardu, in the normally peaceful Shia-majority Gilgit Baltistan region known for its Himalayan peaks popular with tourists, according to Reuters.

"A large number of protesters have gathered outside the UN office in GB and burned down the building," local government spokesperson Shabbir Mir told Reuters, adding no casualties had been reported.

Protesters breach consulate compound amid rising tensions

Crowds gathered near the diplomatic enclave hours after news of Khamenei’s death spread across the region. Witnesses reported that hundreds of demonstrators, many expressing pro-Iran sentiments, attempted to storm the compound.

An AFP journalist observed young protesters climbing over the main gate and entering the driveway of the consular building, where some smashed windows and damaged property. Protesters were also seen setting fire to parts of the premises during the unrest.

Police and paramilitary personnel responded by deploying batons and firing tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Police official Mohammad Jawad said security forces moved quickly to regain control of the area. At least one protester was killed and several others were wounded during clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, he said.

Pakistan’s Edhi rescue service later confirmed that six people had died and multiple individuals sustained injuries during the riots near the consulate.

Security forces tighten control as violence disrupts city traffic

Law enforcement agencies, including police and Rangers, intensified security measures across the area following the clashes, according to GeoTV. Authorities sought to prevent further escalation while restoring order around the diplomatic zone.

Traffic movement in surrounding districts was severely disrupted as authorities closed the road from Sultanabad leading towards Mai Kolachi, causing significant congestion. Karachi Traffic Police implemented vehicle diversions as crowds dispersed and security operations continued.

Killing of Iran’s supreme leader triggers global shockwaves

The protests erupted hours after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack carried out by Israel and the United States, an operation that has sharply escalated tensions across the Middle East and beyond.

Israeli Defence Forces identified the strikes as part of “Operation Roaring Lion,” describing the action as the culmination of months of coordinated planning with American forces.

“Our mission could not be more clear. The IDF will continue to act to remove emerging threats against Israel because the price of an action is too high,” IDF Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a video message on Sunday.

Local sources in Karachi said news of Khamenei’s assassination directly triggered the protests outside the US diplomatic mission.

Iran declares national mourning after Khamenei’s death

Iran has announced 40 days of public mourning following the killing of its supreme leader, according to Iranian state media cited by Reuters. Flags are being flown at half-mast, and nationwide gatherings are planned to commemorate a figure who dominated Iranian political life for more than three decades.

Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in 1989 and presided over what supporters described as an era of ideological continuity and resistance to Western influence.

The period of mourning marks the end of a 37-year chapter in Iran’s modern political history, even as regional tensions continue to intensify in the aftermath of the strikes.