Mob Storms US Consulate in Pakistan, Sets Parts of Building on Fire Over Khamenei’s Death

Karachi: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack. When the news reached Karachi, people came out of their homes. Within no time a crowd of thousands gathered outside the American Consulate on Mai Kolachi Road. Sloganeering started, then stone pelting took place and then the crowd broke the gate of the embassy and entered inside. Parts of the building were set on fire. Plumes of smoke started rising into the sky and the entire area echoed with slogans of "Down with America".

Why did the crowd get angry?

After the news of Khamenei's death came out, protests started in many cities of Pakistan. Protestors in Karachi reacted sharply, calling it the result of actions by the US and its allies. Some religious and political groups termed it an “attack on Muslim leadership”, following which a large number of people took to the streets. The initial protest was peaceful, but soon the crowd became violent.

Why did the crowd not stop protest?

Police and Rangers reached the spot. Tear gas shells were fired, batons were used, but the anger of the crowd was not easily quelled. Karachi Police Officer Mohammad Jawad said that one protester lost his life in this clash. Many people were injured and were taken to the hospital by ambulances of Edhi Foundation. After a lot of effort the situation came under control.

Where else did demonstrations take place in Pakistan?

Karachi is just an example. People also came out on the streets in Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad. Shia organizations called for three days of national mourning. Special prayers were offered in mosques and demands were raised to give martyr status to Khamenei. This US-Israeli attack was also strongly condemned by the Pakistan government.

How many countries of the world are under fire?

In Iraq's capital Baghdad, the crowd moved towards the Green Zone where the US Embassy is located. The security forces kept blocking the way again and again. Iranian supporters marched in the streets in Seoul, South Korea. An Iranian cultural center was attacked in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, in which one person was injured. Overall, the anger over Khamenei's death did not stop at the borders of any one country.

What will happen next now?

America has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the lapse in security of its embassy. The government of Pakistan has ordered an investigation. Heavy security forces are deployed around the embassy in Karachi. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has already announced retaliatory action. In such a situation, the threat to American bases in Pakistan may increase in the coming days, this is the biggest fear right now.