KARACHI – The Death toll from the firing incident at the US Consulate in Karachi has increased to 11. Another injured young man died during treatment on Tuesday, according to ARY News.
The incident took place on Sunday. Protesters allegedly breached the outer wall of the consulate compound. The unrest followed reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being assassinated in reported US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Initially, 10 people were killed and 97 others were injured. With the latest death, the Death toll has now climbed to 11. Officials fear the number may rise further as several victims remain in critical condition.
The injured were shifted to different hospitals across Karachi. At Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre, five people are under treatment. All of them are said to be in critical condition.
In the Garden area, 11 injured individuals are receiving medical care at a local hospital. Meanwhile, six injured persons are admitted to a private hospital on Stadium Road. Two of them are reported to be in critical condition.
According to the police surgeon, eight bodies were brought to hospitals shortly after the incident. Three more victims later died during treatment. Out of the 97 injured, 75 have been discharged after receiving medical attention.
International news agency Reuters also reported on the incident. It cited two US officials who claimed that US Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the consulate. The report described the firing as a rare use of force at a diplomatic facility.
The development has raised concerns about possible tensions. The protests were linked to anger over reports about Iran’s top leader.
Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon addressed the media. He said the Sindh government has formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the incident.
He stated that the JIT will submit its report within 15 days. The investigation will determine how the firing began and who was responsible. He also said no conclusions should be drawn before the inquiry is completed.
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Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing. The Death toll may change depending on the condition of the critically injured patients.
