Explosion Near U.S. Embassy in Oslo Causes Minor Damage

Oslo, Norway – An explosion occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Oslo early Sunday morning, causing minor damage to the consular section, Norwegian police reported. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Details of the Explosion

According to a statement from Oslo police, the explosion took place around 1:00 a.m. Local time. Police spokesperson Mikael Dellemyr told public broadcaster NRK, “We’ve determined that an explosion hit the American embassy,” adding that the blast occurred at the entrance to the consular section [Reuters].

Police incident commander Michael Delmer stated the damage was minor, but declined to provide further details about the nature of the explosion due to the ongoing investigation [CBS News]. “It is very early in the investigation,” Delmer said. “We have to acquire clarity on what it is before we deliver information about it.”

Investigation Underway

A large number of police resources were dispatched to the scene, and a crime scene investigation is underway. Police are interviewing witnesses and searching for potential perpetrators. Authorities have confirmed that searches of the surrounding area have not revealed any further threats [BNO News].

“The police are in dialogue with the embassy,” police added. Sørkedalsveien, the street where the embassy is located, remains closed to traffic although the investigation continues. The duration of the closure is currently unknown.

No Connection to Regional Conflicts Indicated

While U.S. Embassies in the Middle East have been on high alert and have faced attacks amid ongoing tensions and military operations in Iran, police have not indicated any connection between the Oslo explosion and those events [CBS News].

Witness Accounts

Residents near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast. Edvard, a 16-year-old, told TV2 that he initially thought the sound came from his house before realizing it was an explosion near the embassy, followed by the arrival of numerous police officers, dogs, drones, and helicopters [CBS News].

The State Department has been contacted for comment.