Explosion Hits US Embassy in Oslo; Norwegian Police Launch Investigation

Authorities in Oslo have launched an investigation following an explosion outside the United States Embassy in Oslo early Sunday.

According to Norwegian police, no injuries were reported after the blast, which occurred around 1 a.m. Officers said they received reports of a loud bang in the area before responding to the scene.

Police spokesperson Frode Larsen said preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by an incendiary device. Investigators believe the embassy may have been the intended target and have begun searching for those responsible as well as their motive.

Local media reports indicated that the blast caused minor damage to the embassy’s entrance. Witnesses in the area also reported thick smoke covering the nearby street shortly after the explosion.

Authorities have appealed to the public for information and are seeking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

The Norwegian Police Security Service has deployed additional personnel following the incident. However, officials said the country’s terror threat level remains unchanged.

Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Astri Aas-Hansen, described the explosion as an unacceptable act and assured that security agencies are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“The police are investigating the case with significant resources, and nothing currently indicates any danger to the public,” she said.

The embassy referred media inquiries to the United States Department of State, which had not issued an immediate response at the time of reporting. Further details about the incident were not immediately available.