Explosion at US embassy in Oslo may have been terrorism, Norway police say

Explosion at US Embassy in Oslo May Have Been Terrorism, Norway Police Say

The US embassy in Oslo faced an overnight explosion, with Norwegian authorities suggesting it could be linked to terrorism. The blast occurred in the early hours of Sunday, causing minor damage to the diplomatic mission in the capital but leaving no injuries reported.

“One of the hypotheses is that it is an act of terrorism, but we are not completely locked into it,” stated Frode Larsen, head of the police joint investigation and intelligence unit, during an interview with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK.

Following the incident, Norwegian police confirmed they are collaborating with US diplomats to probe the cause. The investigation is ongoing, with officials emphasizing the need to consider all potential explanations.

Speaking to NRK later on Sunday, Larsen reiterated that “we have to be open to the possibility that there may be other causes behind what has happened.” Earlier, the police noted that “large resources” were deployed to the area around the embassy at approximately 01:00 local time (00:00 GMT). The statement also highlighted that “the police are in dialogue with the embassy and no injuries have been reported.”

Michael Dellemyr, overseeing the police response, revealed the explosion occurred at the public entrance of the embassy. Officers conducted searches in the Morgedalsvegen district, about 7km (4 miles) from Oslo’s city center. A call for public information was issued, urging anyone with relevant details to come forward.

Social media images later displayed shattered glass near the consular section’s entrance, cracks on a glass door, and dark streaks across a tiled floor. Norwegian officials labeled the event “unacceptable,” underscoring the importance of diplomatic security. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide mentioned contacting US embassy chargé d’affaires Eric Meyer to discuss the incident.

The US State Department confirmed awareness of the Oslo embassy explosion and is actively investigating. While the exact cause remains under scrutiny, the event has sparked heightened security measures and international attention.