U.S. Marines Open Fire Amid Protests in Karachi

On March 2, 2026, U.S. Marines reportedly opened fire on demonstrators storming the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, marking a rare use of force at a diplomatic post. This incident occurred during widespread protests triggered by the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in military strikes. According to two U.S. officials, ten individuals were killed during the protests, which escalated as demonstrators breached the consulate's outer wall. Initial reports did not clarify whether the Marines' gunfire resulted in any casualties, nor did they confirm if other security personnel, including private contractors or local police, were involved in the shooting.

Reuters

The protests in Pakistan were fueled by anger over the strikes on Iran, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Death to America! Death to Israel!” outside the consulate. The situation was further complicated by the presence of Pakistan's significant Shi’ite community, which is the second-largest in the world after Iran. In response to the unrest, the Pakistani government imposed a nationwide ban on large gatherings, although calls for further protests in cities like Lahore and Karachi persisted.

Reuters

Following the incident, the U.S. Marines referred inquiries to the U.S. military, which in turn directed questions to the State Department. As of the latest reports, the State Department had not issued a comment regarding the incident. In the aftermath, heavy police presence was established around the U.S. consulate in Karachi, with roads leading to the facility blocked off to prevent further unrest. Similar security measures were implemented at U.S. diplomatic missions in Lahore and Islamabad.

Reuters

Critics of the U.S. response have raised concerns about

Reuters