The United States cancels a visa appointment in Pakistan amid widespread protests and deteriorating security conditions across Pakistan over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In an announcement at the United States Embassy Twitter on Tuesday, the United States Embassy in Islamabad, along with the Consulates in Lahore and Karachi is canceling all visa appointments until March 6 (Friday).
At least 25 people have died in protests across Pakistan since Khamenei was killed in a joint strike by the United States and Israel last Saturday.
The situation went out of control last Sunday when protesters tried to break the outer wall of the United States Consulate in Karachi to enter.
Two American officials said that in this unprecedented situation, the soldiers of the United States Marine Corps who were in charge of the security of the consulate opened fire on the protesters.
Direct fire by United States forces at a diplomatic mission is extremely rare. However, it could not be confirmed whether anyone was injured in the firing by the Marines.
Earlier, strict restrictions were imposed on the movement of American personnel stationed in Pakistan from March 1.
Not only Pakistan, but the conflict in Iran has also affected Saudi Arabia. Two drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh early Tuesday morning.
There was a slight fire and damage to the building, but no one was injured. After this incident, American citizens staying in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran in Saudi Arabia have been ordered to stay in a safe shelter.
On the other hand, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the military installations of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are under vigorous raids on air defense systems and missile and drone launch sites continue.
