Explosion at US Embassy in Oslo Investigated as Possible Terror Attack

Norwegian police are investigating an overnight explosion at the United States embassy in Oslo that caused minor damage but no injuries, saying it may have been a deliberate attack though other possibilities remain under review.

The blast occurred around 1am local time on Sunday at the embassy compound in western Oslo, sending thick smoke into the street near the entrance to the consular section, according to witnesses at the scene.

Authorities say the investigation is still in its early stages. Frode Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation unit, said the incident is being examined within the broader context of rising international tensions.

“It’s natural to see this in the context of the current security ⁠situation and that this could be an attack deliberately targeting the US embassy,” Larsen told a news conference.

Police have not confirmed a motive and are keeping multiple lines of inquiry open.

“One of our hypotheses is that this is terrorism, but we are also exploring other options,” Larsen later told public broadcaster NRK. “But we are not completely stuck on that. We have to be open to the possibility that there may be other causes behind what has happened.”

Investigators have not identified any suspects so far. Police said they are searching for one or more possible perpetrators and are working closely with embassy officials as the investigation continues.

Norway’s government condemned the incident and said it was coordinating with US authorities.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said officials had contacted the embassy to stress that the attack was being treated with urgency.

“This ⁠was ‘an unacceptable act that we take very seriously’,” he said in a statement.

“The security of diplomatic missions is very important to us,” he added.

The explosion occurred during a period of heightened international tension as the United States and Israel continue military operations against Iran, a conflict that has already spread across several countries in the Middle East.

Following the incident, Norway’s police security service, PST, deployed additional personnel but did not raise the country’s official terror threat level, according to communications adviser Martin Bernsen.

Government officials emphasized that the investigation is being handled with significant resources while authorities monitor the broader security environment.

“This is an unacceptable incident that is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” said Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s minister of justice and public security.

“The police have stated that they are investigating the case with significant resources, and that nothing indicates the situation poses any danger to the public.”