US Embassy rocked by explosion as witnesses describe 'thick smoke' filling streets

The attack follows a series of "retaliatory strikes" by Tehran against American buildings in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

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Rachel Vickers-Price UK and World News Reporter

06:15, 08 Mar 2026Updated 07:23, 08 Mar 2026

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Large police resources are in place at the US embassy(Image: NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

A blast has struck the US Embassy i n the Norwegian capital of Oslo, police have confirmed, with multiple explosions heard at the entrance to the US compound in the early hours of Sunday (March 8) morning.

A post on X showed the embassy being cordoned off by authorities with reports of minor injuries.

Oslo police spokesperson Mikael Dellemyr confirmed authorities were called to the American compound at about 1am local time, in the wake of a loud blast and heavy smoke near the consular building.

It added that there was currently "no information about exactly what happened or who may be involved".

The embassy sustained minor damage, media reports say. Local students who drove past the scene described the area being engulfed in smoke immediately after the explosion.

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There was a very thick layer of smoke on the street, said Sebastian Toerstad, an 18-year-old school student who drove past the embassy at the time of the incident, as per CNN.

Norwegian publication NRK reports that police have combined the use of " dogs, drones and helicopters to find one or more potential perpetrators" in connection with the blast.

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The embassy explosion comes in the wake of recent attacks on diplomatic buildings around the globe, with similar attacks in Saudi Arabia. linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran.

Police urged the public to report any tips or unusual observations from the area between midnight and 2:00 am (2300 GMT and 0100 GMT).

The attack follows a series of "retaliatory strikes" by Tehran against American buildings in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

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