Eight killed, 20 injured as pro-Iran protesters storm US consulate in Karachi

Pakistani Shiite Muslims hold placards to condemn the US-Israel attack on Iran during a protest in Karachi.

• Protesters attack US Consulate in Karachi after Khamenei's death
• One protester killed, several wounded in clashes with police
• Missile and drone attacks hit Iran, Israel, UAE amid unrest

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At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured during pro-Iran demonstrations at the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan's Karachi on Sunday, officials said. Most of the victims reportedly suffered bullet wounds, according to Muhammad Amin, spokesman for the Edhi Foundation rescue service, which transported the bodies to city hospitals.

The protests erupted after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, which Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described as the “opening blow” of Operation Roar of the Lion,” targeting Khamenei and other senior figures in what Katz called the “Iranian terrorist stronghold.”

Hundreds of protesters tried to storm the consulate, breaking through gates, smashing windows, and setting parts of the building on fire. Social media footage showed demonstrators chanting, “We are setting the American consulate in Karachi on fire… God willing, we are avenging the killing of our leader.”

Police and paramilitary forces responded with tear gas and baton charges, but clashes continued for several hours. Local police official Mohammad Jawad confirmed at least one death and multiple injuries from earlier confrontations before the toll rose to eight.

The violence is part of a wider regional escalation.

Early Sunday, Iran launched a sixth wave of missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli positions, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Explosions were reported in multiple capitals and major cities across the Middle East.

In Israel, multiple missile launches from Iran prompted sirens and activated defensive systems across central and southern regions. The conflict has also affected the United Arab Emirates, where debris from an aerial interception over Dubai’s Business Bay caused fires at Jebel Ali port, sending plumes of smoke across the city skyline.

Protests have spread within Pakistan beyond Karachi. Thousands have taken to the streets in Lahore and Skardu, with a demonstration expected later near the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. Authorities have urged residents to avoid diplomatic compounds as security remains on high alert.