Over 10 Injured in Shootout between Police, Armed Group in Kumanovo - Report

Over 10 people have reportedly been injured in a firefight between police officers and an armed group in Macedonia's Kumanovo.

According to unconfirmed reports of a correspondent of Bulgarian news agency BGNES, the clashes have claimed victims and the number of injured stands at 15.

Kumanovo Mayor Zoran Damjanovski, as cited by BGNES, also suggested that people had been killed in the armed clashes.

Although he described the situation in Kumanovo as dramatic, he called on locals to remain calm and not yield to provocations.

The shootout started at around 4 a.m. local time on Saturday. The firefight allegedly intensified around noon.
Local police are reportedly trying to cope with an armed group which has been staying in Kumanovo's surroundings for several days.

According to unconfirmed reports, the armed group consists of some 50-70 people and they are hiding in a house that has been surrounded by police.

The neighborhood of Diva Naselba has been sealed off, with all roads leading to this part of the town blocked by police.

A Spokesperson for Macedonia's Interior Ministry made clear that a police operation was underway but refused to disclose details about it.