United States (US) Marines opened fire during the storming of the US consulate in Karachi over the weekend, two US officials said on Monday, marking a confirmed use of force at a diplomatic post.

Eleven people were killed on Sunday after protesters breached the outer wall of the consulate compound following American and Israeli strikes in Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The two officials, citing initial information, said it was not clear whether rounds fired by Marines struck or killed anyone. They said they did not know whether shots were also fired by other personnel protecting the mission, including private security contractors and local police.

The confirmation marks the first time US officials have acknowledged that Marines were involved in firing during the protest. 

Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani said “security” personnel had opened fire but did not specify which force was involved.


Vic Mellor, a Republican candidate from Rhode Island and a US Marine veteran, said on X that “armed rioters tried to storm our US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.” 


He added that Marines “met them at the door — and sent a message the entire world just heard: The days of America not defending itself are OVER.” Mellor said anyone attempting to harm Americans would face consequences.

On Sunday, protesters gathered outside the Karachi consulate chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Reporters at the scene heard gunfire and saw tear gas used in surrounding streets. 


A video circulating on social media appeared to show at least one protester firing towards the consulate while injured demonstrators fled the area.


A Karachi police official said shots were fired from inside the consulate premises.

The US Marines referred questions to the US military, which directed inquiries to the State Department. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.