(Lemonde) — An explosion struck the U.S. Embassy in Oslo early Sunday, damaging the entrance to the building’s consular section and prompting a major police investigation as authorities searched for the perpetrators.
Norwegian police said the blast occurred at about 1:00 a.m. local time on March 8, causing minor material damage but no injuries.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, and investigators were working to determine whether it resulted from an explosive device or another source.
Authorities said the incident is being treated as a serious security matter.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the blast, describing it as an unacceptable act against a diplomatic mission.
Eide said he had spoken with the U.S. Embassy’s chargé d’affaires, Eric Meyer, along with Justice and Public Security Minister Astri Aas-Hansen.
“The security of diplomatic missions is extremely important to us,” Eide said in a statement. “This is an unacceptable act that we take very seriously.”
He added that the case is now under investigation by both the Oslo police district and Norway’s domestic intelligence agency, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST).
The PST confirmed it had deployed additional personnel to assist with the inquiry.
Spokesman Martin Bernsen said Norway’s national threat level would remain unchanged despite the incident.
The country has maintained a level three threat rating on a five-point scale since November 2024.
“We are now in close contact with, among other partners, the Oslo police district,” Bernsen said.
He declined to comment on whether any threats against U.S. interests in Norway had been identified before the explosion.
Images from the scene showed shattered glass scattered across snow-covered ground outside the consular section of the embassy.
Photos also revealed cracks in a thick glass door and dark marks on the pavement, which authorities believe were caused by the blast.
Investigators spent several hours examining the area overnight.
Police deployed search dogs, drones and helicopters as part of efforts to locate “one or more potential perpetrators,” according to an official statement.
“Police view such incidents in public spaces as very serious,” the statement said. “The case is being investigated with substantial resources and high priority.”
Oslo police commander Michael Dellemyr told Norwegian broadcaster TV2 that investigators suspect the explosion was likely caused intentionally.
“We will not comment on details regarding the type of damage or what exactly exploded,” Dellemyr said, noting that the investigation remains at an early stage.
However, he added that authorities believe the incident was “an act carried out by someone.”
Witnesses in the area were questioned overnight, and media reports said a bomb squad was seen examining the site.
Several hours after the blast, police declared the area surrounding the embassy safe for residents and pedestrians.
Authorities urged members of the public to report any unusual activity observed near the embassy between midnight and 2 a.m., when the explosion occurred.
Security around U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide has been heightened in recent months, particularly across the Middle East, following American military operations in Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks targeting industrial and diplomatic sites.
However, Norwegian police cautioned that there is currently no evidence linking the Oslo explosion to the broader geopolitical tensions.
“We’re not connecting it to the conflict,” Dellemyr told TV2. “It’s far too early for that.”
U.S. embassies generally operate under strict security measures, including controlled access points, surveillance systems and coordination with local law enforcement.
It was not immediately clear what specific security measures were in place at the Oslo embassy when the explosion occurred.
Investigators continue to analyze physical evidence from the scene while reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine how the blast occurred and who may be responsible.
