An explosion at the US Embassy in Oslo early Sunday may have been a deliberate attack linked to the current security situation, according to Norwegian police.The blast hit the entry to the compound's consular section, andcaused minor damage but no injuries.Police received reports of a loud bang or explosion around 1am on Sunday morning in the Norwegian capital.
Eyewitnesses described a powerful blast.Anna Gilbo, who lives near the compound, told CNN she heard a blast and rushed to the window to see a cloud of smoke coming from the building.Sebastian Toerstad, an 18-year-old school student, recalled a very thick layer of smoke on the street as he drove past the embassy at the time of the incident.
Oslo police spokesperson Mikael Dellemyr confirmed an explosion hit the American embassy, whileFrode Larsen, the police spokesperson, said it is natural to see this in the context of the current security situation. However,one of their hypotheses is that this is terrorism, but they are also exploring other options.
No one had been arrested in connection with the incident, but police are searching for one or several perpetrators and are cooperating closely with the embassy.Police deployed great resources in the area, including dogs, drones and a helicopter.They have not identified any suspects so far.
The blast comes at a time of heightened security for US embassies and consulates around the world as Israel and the United States conduct a rapidly escalating bombing campaign against Iran. Multiple US diplomatic buildings in Gulf kingdoms that host American troops have been targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes, including in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Yetit is not known whether the blast in Oslo is linked in any way to events in the Middle East.
Police operations manager Mikael Dellemyr does not connect the attack to US bombings in the Middle East or terrorist or Iranian retaliation, saying it is far too early in the investigation.
Justice and Security Minister Astri Aas-Hansen said this is an unacceptable incident being treated with the utmost seriousness.Police are reinforcing security measures in Oslo and increased their presence around the US Embassy, specifically upping security measures to protect the Iranian diaspora and Jewish communities in Norway.
The Norwegian police security service (PST) called in additional personnel following the incident but has not changed the country's terror threat level.Police have determined that the scene and the surrounding area are safe, with no indications of a lingering threat.