Eight terror suspects arrested in North Macedonia

in North Macedonia, police say they arrested eight men on Monday on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks in the country and seized a large quantity of weapons in raids in eight locations in the country's north.

Police said one of them had been convicted of participation in the Islamic State militant group previously. Police said they were arrested on suspicion of creating a terrorist organization for committing murders and destroying public buildings with the intention of creating a feeling of insecurity among the citizens. No specific targets were mentioned.

The suspects communicated through "What's App" internet platform on plans about transportation of weapons and making suicide belts, and discussed financial means and got a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and military equipment. Police said the eight have been charged with creating a terrorist organization. If tried and convicted, they face a total of up to 10 years in jail.