Explosion Rocks U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway. Possible Deliberate Attack Under Investigation

Oslo, Norway – An explosion occurred at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo early Sunday morning, prompting a police investigation into a potential deliberate attack. The blast, which caused minor damage to the public entrance of the embassy, occurred around 1:00 a.m. Local time.

Details of the Incident

Norwegian police are treating the incident as a possible deliberate attack, given the “current security situation.” Police spokesperson Frode Larsen stated at a news conference, “It’s natural to see this in the context of the current security situation and that this could be an attack deliberately targeting the U.S. Embassy.”

According to on-site incident commander Michael Dellemyr, the explosion caused minor damage to the embassy’s public entrance. No injuries have been reported.

Authorities have deployed significant resources to the area, including police dogs, drones and a helicopter, according to a police statement. A search for potential perpetrators is underway, and police are cooperating closely with the U.S. Embassy.

As of now, no further explosive devices have been found.

Official Responses

Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen described the incident as “unacceptable” and stated that it is being taken “very seriously.”

Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. State Department have immediately responded to requests for further information.

Witness Accounts

Anna Gilbo, a resident living near the embassy compound, reported hearing a loud bang and feeling her house shake. She also observed smoke in the distance.

Sebastian Toerstad, a high school student who was driving near the embassy at the time of the explosion, described seeing some damage to the entrance and a thick layer of smoke on the street.

U.S. Embassy Services in Norway

The U.S. Embassy in Oslo provides a range of services to U.S. Citizens residing in or visiting Norway, including passport issuance, emergency assistance, and visa services. The Consular Section offers services by appointment only. For U.S. Visa information, visit www.ustraveldocs.com/no. In case of emergency, U.S. Citizens can call +47 21 30 85 40.

Current Security Situation

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring all possible hypotheses, including terrorism. The “current security situation” referenced by police officials was not further elaborated upon in initial reports.