An explosion struck the US Embassy in Oslo early Sunday morning, causing minor damage to the building but leaving no one injured, police said.
Authorities said the blast happened around 1:00 a.m. local time. It damaged one of the entrances to the embassy but did not cause casualties.
Police quickly secured the area and began an investigation. They said the area around the embassy is now considered safe for residents and passersby.
Residents nearby reported hearing loud blasts and seeing smoke in the street after the explosion.
Investigation underway
Police said they were investigating the cause of the explosion and searching for one or more possible suspects. Officers used dogs, drones and helicopters as part of the operation.
“We view incidents like this in public spaces as very serious,” police said in a statement, adding that the investigation was being carried out with significant resources and high priority.
Police commander Michael Dellemyr told local broadcaster TV2 that authorities had an idea about the possible cause.
“It appears to us that this is an act carried out by someone,” he said, though he declined to reveal further details because the investigation was still at an early stage.
Investigators also spoke to witnesses and urged the public to report any unusual activity near the embassy between midnight and 2:00 a.m.
Witnesses describe blasts and smoke
Several residents described hearing the explosion and seeing a heavy police presence shortly afterwards.
A 16-year-old witness, identified as Edvard, told TV2 that he first thought the noise came from inside his house.
“My mother and I thought it came from our house at first,” he said. “Then we saw flashing lights outside the window and many police officers.”
He said police dogs, drones, helicopters and armed officers were deployed in the area.
Three other witnesses waiting for a taxi near the embassy said they felt multiple blasts that shook the ground.
Kristian Wendelborg Einung said the group heard three loud bangs before seeing smoke covering the street near the embassy.
Authorities said they remain in contact with the US Embassy as the investigation continues.
The incident comes as security has been tightened at US embassies worldwide amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. However, police said there is currently no evidence linking the Oslo explosion to the conflict.
