North Macedonia: Anonymous bomb threats continue to prompt evacuations and disruptions in Skopje Dec. 16 /update 1

Event

Anonymous bomb threats prompted short-notice, short-term evacuations at Skopje International Airport (SKP) and other locations, Dec. 16. All arrivals and departures were temporarily canceled at the airport, and some residual flight delays are ongoing. The Alexander Palace Hotel was evacuated shortly before the prime minister and other ministers were due to attend a conference. Boris Trajkovski Sports Centre, the Macedonian Football Federation, schools, and shopping malls also reportedly received threats. This wave of false bomb threats started on Dec. 9, with bomb threats made against several police stations, shopping malls, residential complexes, schools, and the Transportation Center Skopje, the city's main bus and railway station. No explosives have so far been found in any of the incidents, which are likely connected. Further bomb threats are likely.

The motive behind the threats is unknown. Although North Macedonia faces a low threat from domestic and transnational terrorism, authorities take each bomb threat seriously. Disruptive hoaxes typically occur in batches and could continue over the coming days. Authorities are likely to deploy increased numbers of police to tackle this issue. Precautionary security force reactions, including evacuations and search operations, will likely prompt short-notice and short-term business and localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Plan for heightened security, and short-notice transport and business disruptions. Report any suspicious activity or objects to authorities. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.