Authorities in Norway are investigating an explosion at the United States embassy in Oslo, which may have been an act of terror, according to police.
The blast, which occurred at 1am local time, caused no injuries and minor material damage, with witnesses describing thick smoke blanketing the street near the consular section.
Frode Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation unit, stated that one of the hypotheses being explored is that the incident is terrorism, but other motives are also being considered.
People on the scene reported seeing smoke in the area, with the street being closed off as police began their investigation, which is being carried out in cooperation with the embassy.
Official Response
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the Norwegian government is in contact with embassy officials, condemning the act as unacceptable and emphasizing the importance of diplomatic mission security.
Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s minister of justice and public security, described the incident as being treated with utmost seriousness, with police allocating significant resources to the investigation.
The Norwegian police security service, PST, has called in additional personnel but has not changed the country’s terror threat level, according to communication adviser Martin Bernsen.
Police are also working to protect the Jewish community in the country, following the incident, which comes as the US and Israeli forces are engaged in a conflict with Iran in the Middle East.
Source: Original Media Outlet Name
