Norwegian police said an explosive device was thrown at the diplomatic compound on Sunday morning
Norwegian police are investigating the explosion outside the US embassy in Oslo as a possible act of terrorism. The incident comes amid increased security for American diplomatic missions following the US-Israeli air war with Iran.
The explosion took place around 1 am on Sunday morning, causing minor damage to the entrance gate of the diplomatic premises. It appears that an explosive device was thrown at the building, Gret Metlid, Oslo police’s head of operational services, told a press conference. Photographs of the scene show broken glass and fallen lights near the entrance.
Shortly after the explosion, a video appeared on the embassy’s Google Maps page showing Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the message in Arabic: “God is great, we are conquerors.” Police said they are aware of the clip and are reviewing it as part of the investigation.
“One of the assumptions is that it was an act of terrorism.” Frod Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation and intelligence unit, told NRK.
Norway’s domestic security service PST has joined the investigation and is treating the incident as a high priority, with security tightened around the site. No one has been arrested so far.
American diplomatic missions worldwide have been placed on high alert following the US-Israeli joint airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28.
US diplomatic missions in Dubai and Riyadh were reportedly targeted by Iranian drones, prompting the State Department to close embassies in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Kuwait and urge American citizens to leave the Middle East.
At least 10 people were killed when US Marines opened fire on protesters trying to besiege the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on March 1.
According to the State Department, more than 32,000 Americans have returned from the Middle East since the start of the conflict.
President Donald Trump has demanded “Unconditional Surrender” For a week-long operation, according to a US military report from Iran.
