Explosion Occurs at US Embassy in Oslo
The US embassy in Oslo, Norway, was struck by an explosion in the early hours of Sunday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Norwegian police, and the cause remains under investigation.
The incident took place around 1:00 am local time (0000 GMT), as confirmed by the Oslo police department.
Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told NRK that the blast targeted the embassy’s consular section entrance.
“At around 1:00 am, we received multiple reports of an explosion. Upon arrival, we confirmed that an explosion had occurred at the US embassy,” he stated.
Dellemyr declined to specify the nature of the damage or the explosive device, citing the early stage of the investigation.
Later, he indicated to TV2 that authorities have an idea of the cause, suggesting it was deliberate.
Investigators are questioning witnesses, and a bomb squad has been dispatched to the scene, according to reports.
The police are coordinating with the embassy, and a significant security presence has been established around the area.
Residents nearby reported hearing a loud blast. Edvard, a 16-year-old, told TV2 he was watching TV when he heard the explosion.
“My mother and I initially thought the noise came from our house. We looked outside and saw flashing lights, police, police dogs, drones, armed officers, and helicopters,” he recounted.
The vicinity around the embassy has been cordoned off, with authorities conducting vehicle checks.
Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where US embassies have been on high alert due to tensions involving Iran, officials have stated there is no current connection between the Oslo incident and ongoing conflicts.
“It’s too early to link this to any broader conflict,” Dellemyr emphasized.
