Explosion at US embassy in Oslo may have been terrorism, Norway police say

Explosion at US Embassy in Oslo May Have Been Terrorism, Norway Police Say

An explosion at the US embassy in Oslo during the early hours of Sunday could be linked to terrorism, according to Norwegian police. While the embassy suffered light damage, no casualties were reported. The incident, which occurred at around 01:00 local time, has prompted an ongoing investigation.

“One of the hypotheses is that it is an act of terrorism, but we are not completely locked into it,” said Frode Larsen, head of the police joint investigation and intelligence unit, speaking to NRK.

Authorities emphasized that they are working closely with US diplomats and remain open to other possible causes. “We have to be open to the possibility that there may be other causes behind what has happened,” Larsen reiterated later in the day.

Michael Dellemyr, leading the police response, confirmed the blast took place at the public entrance of the embassy. Search operations were conducted in the Morgedalsvegen district, approximately 7 kilometers from the city center. The police also issued a call for public assistance, seeking anyone who witnessed or heard about the event.

Norwegian officials described the incident as “unacceptable,” highlighting the importance of safeguarding diplomatic missions. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide contacted Eric Meyer, the US embassy’s chargé d’affaires, to discuss the event.

Photos shared on social media later revealed broken glass and cracks in the embassy’s entrance, alongside dark stains on the tiled floor. The police deployed significant resources to the area shortly after the explosion, though no injuries were confirmed.

The US State Department confirmed awareness of the incident and stated they are collaborating with Norwegian authorities to determine its cause.