At least nine people were killed during pro-Iran protests at the US consulate in the Pakistan megacity of Karachi, according to a hospital toll.
Hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters tried to storm the consulate yesterday following the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Nine people died from gunshot wounds, according to the hospital record, while a rescue service spokesman said 20 others were wounded.
Journalists said clashes between police and protesters were still ongoing outside the consulate at 3pm local time.
“We don’t need anything in Pakistan that is linked with the US,” a protester, Sabir Hussain, said.
“Our government and our forces are supporting the USA.”
The protesters chanted slogans against the United States, Israel and their allies.
Earlier, a group of young people climbed over the main gate and gained access to the driveway of the consular building, smashing some windows.
Police fired tear gas at the protesters, who dispersed, media reported.
In a video circulating on social media, a young demonstrator could be heard saying: “We need to remain united. No power can stop us.”
“We are setting the American consulate in Karachi on fire. We are avenging the killing of our leader,” another protester said as he filmed others trying to start a blaze. — AFP
