An explosion struck the United States Embassy in Oslo in the early hours of Sunday, causing minor damage but leaving no casualties, police in the Norwegian capital said.
According to a statement by Oslo police, the blast occurred around 1:00 am local time (0000 GMT) and damaged one of the entrances to the embassy building.
The police said, “The blast occurred around 1:00 am local time and caused only minor material damage to one of the building’s entrances.”
Authorities said investigators had begun examining the scene, while dogs, drones and helicopters were deployed to search “for one or more potential perpetrators.”
The statement added, “Police view such incidents in public spaces as very serious, and are investigating the case with substantial resources and high priority.”
Speaking with TV2, police commander Michael Dellemyr said investigators would not immediately disclose further details about the explosion.
“We will not comment on anything related to the type of damage, what it is that has exploded and similar details, beyond the fact that there has been an explosion,” Dellemyr said, noting that “it is very early in the investigation.”
He later told the station that police had begun to understand what might have caused the blast.
“We have an idea of the cause,” he said, adding, “It appears to us that this is an act carried out by someone.”
Dellemyr said investigators were also speaking with witnesses as part of ongoing efforts to determine what happened. TV2 reported that a bomb squad had been deployed to the scene.
Police said they were in contact with officials at the embassy regarding the incident and later announced that the area surrounding the building had been declared safe.
Several hours after the explosion, the police said the area around the embassy was considered “safe” for residents and passersby.
Authorities also urged members of the public to provide information that could assist the investigation.
Police said residents should report any tips or unusual observations in the area between midnight and 2:00 am (2300 GMT and 0100 GMT).
The incident comes at a time when United States diplomatic missions in the Middle East have been placed on high alert following American military attacks on Iran, with several facilities facing threats or attacks as Tehran responds to industrial and diplomatic targets.
