Oslo police reported an explosion early this morning at the entrance to the consular section of the US embassy, located in the western part of the city. The incident caused minor property damage but no casualties.

Frode Larsen, head of Oslo police's investigation and intelligence unit, stated that authorities are considering the possibility of a terrorist attack, among other potential scenarios.

Witnesses reported a loud explosion, followed by thick smoke that covered the area in front of the building. "There was a very thick layer of smoke on the street, and the building's entrance was damaged," 18-year-old Sebastian Toerstad told Reuters, describing what he witnessed while driving past the scene.

Norwegian police examine the scene of the US embassy explosion in Oslo on 8/3. *Photo: AP*

Images from the scene showed shattered glass at the building's entrance. Thick glass doors were cracked, some hanging lights were dislodged, and scorched marks were visible on the ground. No other explosive devices were found in the area.

Police have not identified any suspects in the incident. Authorities deployed K9 units, drones, and helicopters to search the surrounding area. Oslo police urged the public to provide information or report any unusual activity between midnight and 2 a.m. in the vicinity of the US embassy to assist the investigation.

The Norwegian government stated it has contacted US embassy officials following the explosion. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the attack as an "unacceptable act" and affirmed its serious nature. "The security of diplomatic missions is of utmost importance to us," Minister Eide emphasized.

Norway's Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen stated that the government is mobilizing significant resources to support the investigation and track down those potentially involved.

Norway's Police Security Service (PST) has deployed additional personnel to assist the police. Spokesperson Martin Bernsen stated that the terrorist threat level in Norway remains at 3 on a 5-point scale, a level maintained since 11/2024.

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the incident is linked to the current security situation, amid tensions in the Middle East and US operations targeting Iran. However, a PST official stated that it is too early to establish such a link.

Thanh Danh (According to AP, Reuters, AFP)