WASHINGTON/KARACHI, March 3, 2026: US Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the US Consulate in Karachi over the weekend, two American officials confirmed on Monday, a rare use of force at a US diplomatic facility that risks further escalating tensions in Pakistan.
The violence erupted on Sunday after protesters breached the outer wall of the consulate compound following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in reported US-Israel strikes on Iran. At least 10 people were killed in the Karachi incident, according to officials.
Citing preliminary information, the two US officials said it remained unclear whether rounds fired by Marines struck or killed any demonstrators. They added that it was also unknown whether other security personnel — including private contractors or local police assigned to protect the mission — had discharged their weapons.
If confirmed, this would mark the first official acknowledgment that US Marines were directly involved in firing at protesters during the unrest.
A provincial government spokesperson, Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, stated that “security personnel” had opened fire but did not clarify which agency they belonged to.
Security at US diplomatic missions is typically handled by a combination of private contractors and host-country law enforcement. The reported involvement of Marines underscores the seriousness with which American authorities viewed the threat to the consulate.
On Monday, Pakistani authorities imposed a nationwide ban on large public gatherings as protests spread across major cities following the strikes on Iran. Media reports indicated that at least 26 people have been killed in protest-related violence across the country.
Chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!”, protesters gathered outside the Karachi consulate on Sunday. Journalists reported hearing sustained gunfire and witnessing tear gas being fired in surrounding streets.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show at least one armed protester firing toward the consulate compound, while injured demonstrators were seen fleeing as shots rang out.
A senior Karachi police official told Reuters that gunfire had originated from within the consulate premises.
The US Marine Corps referred queries to the US military, which in turn directed questions to the State Department. The State Department had not responded to requests for comment at the time of filing this report.
Despite the ban on public gatherings, calls for further demonstrations have surfaced in Karachi and Lahore.
The main US Embassy in Pakistan is located in Islamabad, with additional consulates in Lahore and Peshawar.
Authorities have sealed roads leading to the Karachi consulate, deploying a heavy police presence in the area. Similar heightened security measures have been implemented around American diplomatic facilities in Lahore and Islamabad as officials brace for further unrest.
The situation remains tense as diplomatic and security officials monitor developments closely.
