US Marines opened fire during a breach of the US consulate in Karachi over the weekend, according to two US officials, in a rare use of force at a diplomatic mission amid escalating unrest in Pakistan.

The incident occurred on Sunday when protesters broke through the outer wall of the compound following widespread anger over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent strikes.

Ten people were killed during the unrest, though officials said it remains unclear whether any were hit by rounds fired by US personnel. It is also not known whether other forces, including private security contractors or local police, discharged weapons.

First confirmation of Marine involvement

The episode marks the first confirmation by US officials that Marines were involved in firing during the incident. Security at diplomatic missions is typically handled by local forces and private contractors, making their involvement notable.

A local government spokesperson said “security personnel” had opened fire but did not specify which force was responsible.

Reports from the scene indicated that shots were fired from within the consulate, while video footage circulating online appeared to show armed protesters and injured demonstrators fleeing the area.

Protests spread across Pakistan

The unrest forms part of wider protests across Pakistan, home to one of the largest Shi’ite populations outside Iran. Demonstrations intensified after the strikes on Iran, with crowds chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans outside the consulate.

Authorities have since imposed a nationwide ban on large gatherings as violence spread to multiple cities, with at least 26 deaths reported.

Despite the restrictions, community leaders have called for further protests in major urban centres including Lahore and Karachi.

Security tightened around US missions

Security has been reinforced around US diplomatic facilities across Pakistan. Roads leading to the Karachi consulate were sealed off, while similar measures were implemented in Islamabad and Lahore.

US officials have not provided further details on the incident, and both the military and State Department have declined to comment.

(with inputs from Reuters)