Explosion Rocks Central Oslo, Police Suspect Grenade
Oslo, Norway – A strong explosion occurred in Oslo’s Pilestredet district late Thursday evening, prompting a large-scale police response and a security perimeter around the area near the Royal Palace and the embassy of Israel. Authorities suspect a hand grenade was used in the incident. No casualties have been reported.
The explosion, which occurred around 9:11 p.m. local time, prompted police to advise residents to stay away from windows and avoid the scene.A subsequent detonation was reported around 9:45 p.m., and officers defused an unidentified object. The incident unfolds amid heightened security concerns in the Nordic region, following recent drone disruptions at airports near Oslo and Copenhagen, and escalating gang violence in neighboring Sweden.
According to NRK public radio, one minor has been arrested in connection with the explosion, but police have stated they are searching for additional suspects. “We are looking for other suspects. We start from the idea that there could be several people involved,” said Brian skotnes, a police spokesperson.
Tram traffic has been suspended, and a police helicopter and drone are currently surveying the area. norway generally experiences low crime rates,but has seen increased attention focused on spillover effects from the ongoing gang war in Sweden.Investigations are ongoing.
