- Witnesses at the scene reported seeing thick smoke covering the street shortly after the explosion
- The blast occurred around 1:00 a.m. local time near the entrance of the embassy’s consular section in western Oslo
- Authorities are also working closely with staff at the US embassy as the investigation continues
Authorities in Norway are investigating an overnight explosion at the United States Embassy in Oslo, with officials saying the incident could potentially be linked to terrorism, although other possible causes are also being examined.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Frode Larsen, who leads the investigation unit of the Oslo Police District, said authorities are considering whether the blast deliberately targeted the US diplomatic facility amid the current global security climate.
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According to Larsen, investigators are exploring several theories, including the possibility of a terror-related act, but stressed that the inquiry remains open to other explanations as well.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing thick smoke covering the street shortly after the explosion.
The blast occurred around 1:00 a.m. local time near the entrance of the embassy’s consular section in western Oslo. Despite the damage caused to parts of the compound, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Police have not yet identified any suspects, but search efforts are ongoing for one or more individuals believed to be responsible. Authorities are also working closely with staff at the US embassy as the investigation continues.
Following the incident, the Norwegian government contacted embassy officials to express concern and condemn the act.
In a statement, Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s foreign minister, described the explosion as unacceptable and stressed that the country takes the security of diplomatic missions very seriously.
The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has deployed additional personnel in response to the blast, though officials say the country’s national terror threat level has not been raised.
Meanwhile, Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s minister of justice and public security, said the authorities are dedicating significant resources to the investigation and currently see no indication that the incident poses a wider danger to the public.
Police also noted that they are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the country’s Jewish community following the attack.
The explosion comes at a time of heightened international tension linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has contributed to growing instability across parts of the Middle East.
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