During military operations they are supported by mercenaries from various countries. After the battle near the village of Slupchane bodies of several Arab mercenaries were found. There were also bodies of Chechens and Afghan nationals among the militants killed by Macedonian army units. Proof of this were documents and personal things found on those who were killed. Chechen militants arrive in the Balkans via Georgia and Turkey.
Islamist organizations help mercenaries in Turkey to reach Albania.
From there mercenaries go to Kosovo and Macedonia. They say they can earn money in Macedonia since they are paid well there. In addition, there are much more dangers in Chechnya than in Macedonia. The war in Macedonia is the second campaign involving Chechen militants in the Balkans. Earlier they took an active part in the hostilities in Kosovo.