Seven people, allegedly active in the wars in Syria and Iraq, were arrested during a police action in Macedonia, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to the police, the arrested persons are between the ages of 23 and 47, for whom there was an international arrest warrant.

"Seven Macedonian citizens have been arrested, for whom there are suspicions that foreign terrorist fighters have actively participated in the wars in Syria and Iraq," the Macedonian Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.

According to the police, this action provides clear indications that Macedonia can face current security challenges and that it is a serious partner of the global coalition in the fight against terrorism.

"In the framework of the global coalition for the fight against terrorism, the Republic of Macedonia continues with ongoing activities in terms of detecting, identifying, neutralizing and prosecuting foreign fighters," the statement said.

According to the Criminal Code of Macedonia, participation or recruitment of persons to be involved in foreign wars constitutes a criminal offense for which a punishment of at least five years is prescribed.

According to data from the Macedonian Ministry of Internal Affairs, 150 Macedonian citizens are involved in the wars in Syria and Iraq. Of them, 80 people have returned to the country.