An explosion occurred at the United States Embassy in Oslo, Norway, early Sunday, prompting a major security response from local authorities. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported, though the blast caused minor damage to part of the diplomatic facility.
According to the Oslo Police Department, the incident happened around 1:00 a.m. local time. Officers responded after receiving multiple emergency calls from residents who reported hearing a loud explosion in the area.
Authorities later confirmed that the blast struck the entrance to the embassy’s consular section. Police officials said the extent of the damage was limited but declined to provide detailed information as investigations were still at an early stage.
A senior police officer involved in the response said investigators believe the explosion may have been caused deliberately, although the exact nature of the device or substance involved has not yet been disclosed. Police said they were speaking with witnesses and gathering evidence to determine what happened.
A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene as part of the investigation, while security forces established a large perimeter around the embassy compound.
Residents living near the area described hearing a powerful blast before emergency services arrived. One teenage witness told local media that he initially believed the noise came from inside his home before seeing flashing lights and a heavy police presence outside.
He said the area quickly filled with officers, including armed police, while drones, police dogs and helicopters were used during the response operation.
Authorities temporarily closed roads near the embassy and stopped vehicles entering the surrounding neighbourhood while security teams carried out checks.
The incident comes at a time when US diplomatic missions in several regions have heightened security measures due to tensions linked to American military operations targeting Iran. Some embassies in the Middle East have reportedly faced attacks in recent weeks.
However, Norwegian police said there was currently no evidence linking the Oslo explosion to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. Investigators emphasised that it was too early to determine whether the incident had any connection to international conflicts.
Officials said the investigation would continue as authorities work to establish the cause of the blast and identify those responsible.
