Protests underway outside US embassies in Pakistan, Iraq: fatalities reported PHOTO / VIDEO / UPDATED

At least 10 people have been killed during an attack on the U.S. consulate in Karachi, Pakistan.

An Iranian outlet reports that the number of fatalities is expected to rise.

11:31

Protests are taking place in Pakistan and Iraq amid escalating tensions around Iran.

According to the Pakistan newspaper Dawn, clashes began near the American consulate in 

The publication reports that police used tear gas and batons against demonstrators. It is noted that the protests began after confirmation of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, in central Baghdad, supporters of Iraqi Shiite armed groups are attempting to storm the U.S. embassy, as reported by the Iraqi news agency Shafaq.

“Security forces used tear gas canisters against protesters trying to cross the bridge on the way to the United States embassy,” the report states.

According to the agency, Iraqi security personnel continue to use special measures to disperse protesters.

By Khagan Isayev