An explosion struck the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, prompting an investigation by Norwegian police. The blast caused minor damage to one of the building's entrances. Authorities are utilizing dogs, drones, and helicopters in their search for "one or more potential perpetrators," Oslo police said in a statement. The police received several reports of an explosion and arrived shortly afterward to confirm it, according to police spokesperson Michael Dellemyr.
Frode Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation unit, stated that terrorism is one hypothesis being explored. Larsen told public broadcaster NRK that investigators are not "completely locked into it," and are considering other possibilities. "It's natural to see this in the context of the current security situation and that this could be an attack deliberately targeting the U.S. embassy," Larsen said.
PST, the Norwegian police security service, has called in additional personnel following the incident. Communication adviser Martin Bernsen said that PST has not changed the country's terror threat level. Following the incident, police have reinforced security measures in Oslo, specifically increasing their presence around the U.S. Embassy.
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide contacted U.S. embassy chargé d'affaires Eric Meyer regarding the incident. Eide stressed that "the security of diplomatic missions is very important to us". Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway's minister of justice and public security, called the incident "unacceptable" and said it is being treated with "the utmost seriousness."
Residents near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast. A 16-year-old identified as Edvard told TV2 that he was watching television when he heard it. The blast hit the entrance of the embassy's consular section, according to police incident commander Michael Dellemyr. Photos on social media showed shattered glass in the snow outside the entrance to the consular section of the building, cracks in a glass door, and dark marks on a tiled floor.
The U.S. State Department said they are "aware of an incident at the US Embassy in Oslo" and are investigating. The U.S. Embassy in Oslo referred media queries to the U.S. State Department.
While the investigation continues, authorities have determined that the scene and surrounding area are safe for investigators and residents.
An explosion struck the U.S. Embassy in Oslo around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, prompting an investigation by Norwegian police. The blast caused minor damage to one of the building’s entrances. Authorities are utilizing dogs, drones, and helicopters in their search for "one or more potential perpetrators," according to Oslo police. The police received several reports of an explosion and arrived shortly afterward to confirm it, according to police spokesperson Michael Dellemyr.
Frode Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation unit, stated that terrorism is one hypothesis being explored. Larsen told public broadcaster NRK that investigators are not "completely locked into it," and are considering other possibilities. Larsen also told reporters that it may have been a deliberate attack linked to the crisis in the Middle East. Police are examining the scene and seeking to talk to witnesses.
PST, the Norwegian police security service, has called in additional personnel following the incident. Communication adviser Martin Bernsen said that PST has not changed the country’s terror threat level. Police have reinforced security measures in Oslo, specifically increasing their presence around the U.S. Embassy, the Iranian diaspora, and Jewish communities in Norway. Michael Dellemyr said no additional explosive devices have been found in the area.
Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide contacted U.S. embassy chargé d'affaires Eric Meyer regarding the incident. Eide stressed that "the security of diplomatic missions is very important to us". Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway's minister of justice and public security, called the incident "unacceptable" and said it is being treated with "the utmost seriousness." Rep. Rick Crawford, chair of the House Intel Committee, told Fox News that he believes the explosion "may have been a terrorist attack."
Residents near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast. A 16-year-old identified as Edvard told TV2 that he was watching television when he heard it. The blast hit the entrance of the embassy's consular section, according to police incident commander Michael Dellemyr. Photos on social media showed shattered glass in the snow outside the entrance to the consular section of the building, cracks in a glass door, and dark marks on a tiled floor.
The U.S. State Department said they are "aware of an incident at the US Embassy in Oslo" and are investigating. The U.S. Embassy in Oslo referred media queries to the U.S. State Department. U.S. embassies have been placed on high alert in the Middle East over U.S. military operations in Iran.
While the investigation continues, authorities have determined that the scene and surrounding area are safe for investigators and residents.
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