Officers in Norway are treating an explosion at the US Embassy in Oslo as a potential terrorist incident following a blast in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The detonation caused limited damage to the diplomatic compound in the western part of the Norwegian capital but resulted in no casualties.
Authorities have launched an investigation into what they believe may have been a targeted attack connected to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Head of the Oslo Police investigation unit Frode Larsen told a news conference: "It's natural to see this in the context of the current security situation and that this could be an attack deliberately targeting the US embassy."
Mr Larsen confirmed that terrorism remains one of the primary lines of inquiry, though investigators are examining alternative explanations for the incident.
"One of our hypothesis is that this is terrorism, but we are also exploring other options," he told public broadcaster NRK.
The investigation unit has yet to identify any suspects in connection with the blast.
Officers are actively searching for one or more individuals responsible for the attack and are working in close coordination with embassy officials.
Police officers and technicians inspect the American embassy after a loud bang was reported at the site, in Oslo
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The police chief indicated that the current geopolitical climate, particularly developments in the Middle East, provides important context for understanding the potential motives behind the incident.
The explosion struck the entrance to the consular section of the embassy compound at approximately 1am local time.
Witnesses reported dense smoke billowing onto the street outside the building immediately after the blast.
Sebastian Toerstad, an 18-year-old secondary school student who was driving past the embassy when the device detonated, described the scene.
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The site outside the US embassy was cordoned off
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A window pane was shattered in the incident
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He said: "There was a very thick layer of smoke on the street."
The teenager also observed that the entrance had sustained visible damage from the explosion, adding: "There was some damage to the entrance."
Investigators have since swept the surrounding area and confirmed that no additional explosive devices were discovered at the scene.
The Norwegian Government swiftly condemned the incident, with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide issuing a statement describing it as unacceptable.
Police vehicles park outside the US Embassy in OSlow
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He said: "The security of diplomatic missions is very important to us."
Officials in Oslo have been in direct contact with their American counterparts at the embassy to express the seriousness with which they view the attack.
Eide emphasised that protecting foreign diplomatic premises remains a priority for the Norwegian authorities.
The foreign minister's statement underscored the gravity of any assault on international missions operating within Norwegian territory.
Police have confirmed that their search of the vicinity yielded no further explosive materials, providing some reassurance to residents in the area.