An explosion was reported near the Embassy of the United States in Oslo, prompting a police investigation in the Norwegian capital.
The blast was reported around 1 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 8, according to the Oslo Police District. Authorities clarified that no injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath.
Police said officers were dispatched shortly after receiving multiple reports of a loud explosion near the embassy compound.
“We received several reports of an explosion,” police said in a statement. “A loud bang/explosion was reported at the scene.”
Investigators said they do not yet know what caused the blast or who may be responsible.
Minor damage reported after blast near U.S. Embassy in Oslo
Public broadcaster NRK cited police incident commander Michael Delmer as saying the explosion occurred at the entrance to the embassy’s consular section.
Delmer confirmed that authorities verified an explosion had occurred at the consular section entrance soon after the initial reports and described the damage as minor.
“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what it is that has exploded, and similar details,” Delmer told NRK, adding the investigation was still in its early stages.
Police said they were in contact with the embassy following the incident.
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A large number of emergency resources were deployed to the area, including officers and investigative teams.
People living near the embassy said they heard a loud explosion shortly before police arrived.
A 16-year-old resident identified only as Edvard told Norwegian broadcaster TV2 Norway that he initially thought the sound came from inside his home.
“My mother and I first thought it came from our house,” he said. “Then we saw flashing lights outside the window and a lot of police.”
He said that, within minutes after the explosion, police dogs, drones, armed officers, and helicopters were seen in the area.
Investigation ongoing
The incident comes at a time when U.S. diplomatic facilities worldwide are operating under heightened security measures following the escalation of conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
Despite the heightened global security environment, Norwegian police said there was currently no indication that the explosion near the embassy in Oslo was connected to the ongoing conflict.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional details will be released as they become available. Investigators emphasized that determining the cause of the blast is their current priority.
The U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide caution alert on February 28 advising American citizens to exercise increased vigilance abroad following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran.
“Americans in the Middle East should follow the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact our 24/7 Task Force to get information and help with travel options to return home safely.”
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The advisory warned that Americans could face security risks and travel disruptions due to regional instability and periodic airspace closures.
Recent attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities
Since early March, several U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East have been targeted by drone attacks or security threats amid the widening conflict.
Two drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 2–3, causing a fire and minor damage to the compound.
An Iranian drone also hit a parking area near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai on March 3, sparking a fire that was later extinguished without injuries.
Elsewhere, drones struck near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, prompting the facility’s closure, while the U.S. Embassy in Amman evacuated personnel following a security threat.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut also suspended operations after regional hostilities intensified. Separately, six U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone attack on March 1 at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait.
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