Three Brothers Arrested in Oslo Following US Embassy Bombing

Oslo, Norway – Three brothers, Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin, were arrested on Wednesday afternoon in connection with the explosion that occurred outside the U.S. Embassy in Oslo on Sunday night. The arrests were made by Oslo police, who are now investigating the incident as a terrorist bombing, according to police prosecutor Christian Hatlo.

Details of the Arrests and Investigation

The three men, all in their 20s and residents of Oslo, were apprehended around 3:30 PM local time on Wednesday. Hatlo stated that none of the brothers were previously known to the police. The investigation suggests that one of the brothers is believed to have placed the improvised explosive device (IED) near the embassy’s entrance, even as the roles of the other two are still under investigation.

“It is an overall picture of evidence that we have received in the course of nearly three days, which means that we are making this arrest,” Hatlo said during a press conference. He declined to provide specific details about the evidence collected, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Possible Motives and International Cooperation

Authorities are exploring several hypotheses regarding the motive behind the bombing. Hatlo indicated that investigators are considering the possibility of state sponsorship, given the target and the current geopolitical climate. A connection to criminal elements is similarly being investigated, as are other potential motives.

The Oslo police are cooperating with U.S. Authorities, including the FBI, in the investigation. Hatlo acknowledged the impact on the American embassy and the broader security concerns. The police security service (PST) is also involved, continuously assessing the risk of further attacks in Norway.

The Explosion and Initial Response

The explosion occurred around 1:00 AM on Sunday near the consular entrance of the U.S. Embassy. While the blast caused some disruption, no injuries were reported. Police quickly launched an investigation, releasing images of a suspected perpetrator captured on security cameras. The area around the embassy was secured, and bomb squad personnel examined the site for clues.

Official Reactions

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen condemned the explosion as a serious and unacceptable incident. Støre emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the potential link to the security policy landscape.

Ongoing Investigation

Hatlo stated that police cannot rule out further arrests as the investigation progresses. Authorities are focused on obtaining statements from the three suspects and clarifying their roles in the incident.