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

Following an overnight explosion at the US embassy in Oslo, Norwegian police have suggested that the incident could be linked to terrorism. The blast, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, caused minor damage to the embassy but resulted in no injuries.

Speaking to Norway’s public broadcaster NRK, Frode Larsen, head of the police joint investigation and intelligence unit, noted that “one hypothesis is that the blast may have been a terrorist act, though the investigation remains ongoing.” Authorities are now examining the event alongside US diplomats, with no immediate reports of harm.

“We must remain open to other potential causes,” Larsen emphasized later on Sunday, highlighting the need for a thorough analysis.

Norwegian police deployed significant resources to the area around the embassy in the Morgedalsvegen district, approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the city center, around 01:00 local time (00:00 GMT). The statement added that “police are in dialogue with the embassy and no injuries have been reported.”

Michael Dellemyr, leading the police response, confirmed the explosion occurred at the building’s public entrance. Officers conducted searches in the vicinity and urged the public to share any relevant observations.

Social media later shared images of shattered glass and cracks near the embassy’s consular entrance, alongside dark marks on a tiled floor. Norwegian officials called the incident “unacceptable,” with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reiterating the importance of diplomatic security. He noted that he had reached out to US embassy chargé d’affaires Eric Meyer regarding the event.

The US State Department has acknowledged the incident, stating they are “aware of an explosion at the Oslo embassy” and actively investigating its cause.