An explosion struck the United States Embassy in Oslo early Sunday morning, prompting a major security response in Oslo.
Authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded, although the blast caused minor damage to the embassy building.
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According to the Oslo Police District, the explosion occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT).
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and confirmed that the blast had impacted the entrance of the embassy’s consular section.
Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told public broadcaster NRK that authorities received multiple reports of an explosion shortly before officers arrived.
“At around 1:00 am we received several reports of an explosion. We arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that there had been an explosion that hit the US embassy,” he said.
Dellemyr added that the building sustained minor damage, but investigators were still trying to determine exactly what caused the explosion.
“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what it is that has exploded and similar details,” he said, noting that the investigation was still in its early stages.
He later told TV 2 Norway that police believe the blast may have been deliberately carried out by someone, although no suspects had been confirmed.
Authorities deployed a bomb squad, police dogs, drones, and helicopters to the scene as part of the investigation.
Residents living near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast. A 16-year-old resident identified as Edvard told local media that he initially thought the sound came from inside his home.
“My mother and I first thought it came from our house,” he said. “Then we saw the flashing lights outside the window and a lot of police.”
According to reports, a large security perimeter was established around the embassy while officers stopped vehicles and questioned witnesses.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at US diplomatic missions worldwide, especially following rising tensions linked to military developments involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.