Skopje, 7 February 2025 (MIA) – The Interior Ministry said Friday its competent units are taking comprehensive measures and activities following the series of reports for bombs being allegedly planted in schools across the country. 

“The Interior Ministry is informing the public that following the series of reports for alleged planted explosive devices in multiple elementary and high schools across the country, the Ministry’s competent services are taking comprehensive planning measures and activities according to the procedures in place in the event of terrorist threat,” it said in a press release. 

At the same time, added the press release, the level of threat is being evaluated in coordination with the security and intelligence services after an operations HQ was set up at the Ministry. 

“According to the activities taken so far, checks suggest the bomb threats were a hoax. Also, the Interior Ministry urges members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading disinformation involving the events, which were reported yesterday in other countries in the region,” the Ministry said. 

Earlier, MIA reported that several educational institutions across the country, including Skopje, received emails saying explosive devices have been planted there.

Bomb threats were reported in Shtip, Ohrid, Strumica, Kumanovo, Prilep, Gostivar, Struga, Berovo and Makedonska Kamenica, according to MIA’s local correspondents.

According to a press release by the Skopje Municipality of Centar, three elementary schools there received bomb threats.

Anti-terrorism police units were deployed taking measures to safely evacuate students and school staff.

Almost all elementary and high schools in Shtip received bomb threats via email. After students were evacuated, anti-terrorism units combed the sites. 

The bomb threats were a hoax, Shtip Mayor Ivan Jordanov told MIA. 

“Students returned to classes. The Shtip police are on site in all schools taking all necessary measures. I assure you it is a cyber-attack aimed at alarming students and teachers and interrupting classes,” said Jordanov.

The Kumanovo police confirmed to MIA in a statement that one elementary school in Kumanovo received a bomb threat. Students have been sent home as anti-terrorism units are checking all premises of the school.

A spokesperson for the Tetovo police confirmed that bomb threats were reported by several educational institutions in the region of Tetovo and Gostivar, including bomb threats in three high schools in Gostivar.

Three elementary schools in Prilep received bomb threats. 

Five schools in Strumica received bomb threats, believed to have been a cyber-attack, it was confirmed to MIA. 

Several schools resumed classes as soon as the police gave the all clear.

MIA file photo