Credited from: AA
Norwegian police confirmed an explosion near the U.S. Embassy in Oslo occurred around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, resulting in no casualties. The blast reportedly caused minor damage to the entrance of the embassy, specifically affecting its consular section, according to CBS News, Dawn, and South China Morning Post.
Investigators are actively examining the scene with significant resources, including dogs, drones, and helicopters, to determine the cause of the explosion and search for potential suspects. Police commander Michael Dellemyr stated that the incident is being treated seriously but would not comment on specific details about the type of explosion or extent of damage, stating that "it is very early in the investigation," according to BBC and India Times.
Police cordoned off the area surrounding the embassy and are in contact with officials there, ensuring that the immediate vicinity is deemed safe for residents and passersby. Dellemyr noted that while U.S. embassies are under heightened alert due to recent military actions in the Middle East, there is currently "no indication" that the Oslo explosion is related to these conflicts, as reported by Anadolu Agency and India Times.
Witnesses near the embassy described the incident, with one resident stating they thought the sound came from their own home before noticing the police response. "We felt three 'bangs' that made the ground shake," recalled a nearby resident, highlighting the local impact of the event, as detailed by Dawn, South China Morning Post, and BBC.