KARACHI, Dec 6: Security at the US consulate and the residence of the consul-general in the city was further intensified in the aftermath of the attack on the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

As soon as the news reached here, the security was stepped up at the US consulate, a senior police official said. An explosive-laden vehicle blew up in front of the consulate in June 2002 destroying a portion of its outer wall besides killing 12 people including four women.

Another explosive-laden vehicle was found abandoned in front of the US consulate in March 2004, which could not have exploded. City police officer Tariq Jamil said: "We have increased the police force at and around the consulate for security reasons."

Besides, the security at other important installations, foreign missions, offices of law enforcement agencies and other possible target of the terrorists was also beefed up, he added.