No, there is no confirmed evidence that Americans (such as US Marines or consulate security personnel) fired at protesters today at the US consulate in Karachi.**
Major news reports from sources like Al Jazeera, AFP (via France24 and others), Reuters, Associated Press, and others describe a violent protest on March 1, 2026 (which aligns with "today" given the current time of late February 28 in HST, crossing into March 1 in Pakistan time zones). Protesters, angered by the reported US-Israeli assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stormed or attempted to storm the US consulate in Karachi. They smashed windows, set fires (including parts of the building or nearby structures like a police post), and clashed with security.
Casualties: Reports vary slightly but indicate at least 6–9 people killed and others injured (e.g., 20+ wounded, many with bullet wounds). The deaths and injuries resulted from clashes, with security forces using tear gas, batons, and live fire to disperse the crowd and prevent breaching the compound.
Key points on who fired:
- Most credible outlets (Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP) attribute the gunfire and fatalities to **Pakistani security forces/police/paramilitary** responding to the attempt to storm the consulate.
- Some social media posts and less-verified reports (e.g., YouTube titles, certain X posts) claim "US military" or "US Marines" opened fire, but these appear unsubstantiated or sensationalized. Mainstream coverage does not confirm direct US personnel firing; instead, it emphasizes local Pakistani forces handling the perimeter and response.
- One Reuters report notes gunfire sounds and tear gas by police, with the crowd pushed back after breaching an outer wall.
The incident stems from heightened tensions over the Iran strikes, with pro-Iran protesters (including Shiite groups) targeting the US consulate as a symbol. The situation was reportedly brought under control, with no indications of ongoing firing.
If you're seeing specific videos or claims suggesting otherwise, they may be from unverified sources or misattributions—always cross-check with established news outlets for accuracy in fast-moving events like this.
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