North Macedonia says potential terrorist attack thwarted

SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — North Macedonian officials said Friday they have carried out a series of raids in an operation against suspected radical Islamic terrorists.

The Interior Ministry said that searches were conducted at several locations in the country targeting suspects. It said police confiscated "objects and devices related to the possible attack."

No arrests were announced.

The announcement follows a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Skopje saying that there was a "heightened risk of terrorist attacks inspired by extremist ideology in North Macedonia." The embassy also warned U.S. citizens in North Macedonia to maintain a high level of vigilance.

The ministry announcement said the searches related to "potential plans and intentions to commit a terrorist act in the territory of our country by members of radical structures supporting of ISIS."

North Macedonian officials say about 130 of the country's citizens have fought with the Islamic State, or ISIS, group in Syria. Some have returned to North Macedonia.