9 killed in protests at US consulate in Pakistan’s Karachi

At least nine people have been killed following violent clashes between protesters and police near the United States consulate in Karachi, according to medical officials, as demonstrations erupted over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, reports Al Jazeera.

The chief surgeon for Karachi police, Summaiya Syed, told Al Jazeera that nine bodies were brought to the city’s Civil Hospital after protesters attempted to advance toward the US diplomatic compound.

Police officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death or the final number of victims. Earlier reports had put the death toll at six.

Authorities said demonstrators were stopped at the “outer periphery” of the consulate grounds before being dispersed by security forces.