An explosion struck the US Embassy in Oslo early Sunday morning, causing minor damage but leaving no one injured, according to police in the Norwegian capital.
The blast occurred around 1:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) and damaged one of the building’s entrances. Authorities said the impact was limited to property damage.
Police launched an investigation immediately after the incident, deploying dogs, drones, and helicopters to search the area for one or more potential suspects. Officials said such incidents in public places are treated very seriously and are being investigated with significant resources and urgency.
Police commander Michael Dellemyr told TV2 that authorities would not yet reveal details about the nature of the explosion or what exactly detonated, noting that the investigation was still at an early stage. He later said investigators believe the explosion appears to have been carried out by someone.
Officers are interviewing witnesses while investigators examine the scene. A bomb disposal unit has also been reported at the location. Police confirmed they are in contact with the embassy and later said the surrounding area was considered safe for residents and passersby.
Authorities have urged the public to report any unusual observations or information from the area between midnight and 2:00 am.
Although several US embassies in the Middle East have recently been placed on high alert following American military attacks in Iran and retaliatory actions from Tehran, police said there is currently no indication that the Oslo incident is connected to that conflict.
Residents living near the embassy reported hearing the explosion. A 16-year-old identified as Edvard told TV2 that he and his mother initially thought the noise came from inside their home. After looking outside, they saw flashing police lights and a large police presence.
Three friends who were waiting for a taxi near the embassy said they felt three loud bangs that shook the ground. One of them, Kristian Wendelborg Einung, said they later drove past the embassy and saw the street covered in thick smoke.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.
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