Authorities in Oslo are investigating an early-morning explosion outside the U.S. Embassy in Oslo that damaged part of the building’s entrance but caused no injuries.
Police said they received reports of a “loud bang” at around 1 a.m. Sunday.
Incendiary Device Suspected
According to investigators with the Oslo Police District, the blast was likely caused by an incendiary device placed near the embassy. Officials believe the diplomatic building may have been the intended target.
Frode Larsen, head of the police joint unit for investigation and intelligence, said authorities are working through multiple possible motives while searching for suspects.
“We are early in the investigation, but we are working based on multiple hypotheses,” Larsen said.
Backpack Device Exploded Near Consular Office
A U.S. official said the explosive device was reportedly inside a backpack and detonated near the entrance to the embassy’s Consular Affairs section.
Witnesses told local media that thick smoke covered the street after the explosion.
Security Response Underway
Norway’s police security service, Norwegian Police Security Service (PST), deployed additional personnel following the incident but has not raised the country’s terror threat level.
Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s justice and public security minister, called the explosion “an unacceptable incident” and said police are dedicating significant resources to the investigation.
Authorities say there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the public.
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