Explosion at US Embassy in Norway suspected linked to global security situation

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Norwegian police authorities are investigating an explosion that occurred at the United States Embassy in Oslo on Sunday morning (8 March), with suspicion that the motive may be linked to terrorism in relation to the current global security situation.

During a press conference on Sunday, Frode Larsen, Head of the Joint Investigation and Intelligence Unit, stated that Norwegian authorities were investigating several possible causes of the explosion.

However, according to reports from the Norwegian state broadcaster Norsk Rikskringkasting (NRK), the explosion is believed to be a deliberate attack on the US Embassy in Oslo.

“One of our hypotheses is that this is an act of terrorism, but we have not yet established that. We must remain open to the possibility that there are other reasons for this. It is natural to view this incident within the context of the current security situation,” said Larsen, referring to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The Norwegian Police Service stated that a large contingent of Norwegian police officers was deployed to the area surrounding the US Embassy in the Huseby district, western Oslo, following reports of a loud explosion at approximately 01.00 local time or 07.00 WIB on Monday.

Police stated they had communicated with the US Embassy and confirmed there were no casualties in the incident.

Local authorities subsequently confirmed that an explosion occurred at the embassy building, specifically at the entrance to the consular section. However, no significant damage was reported.

Norwegian authorities are continuing their search for one or more suspects, with investigators conducting a crime scene examination and interviewing eyewitnesses.

Local police also ensured a search around the US Embassy complex and found no indication of any other explosive material in the area.