Islamic state threat looms over German carnival events
The Islamic State is calling for terrorist attacks in Europe, according to media reports from Germany. The Islamists' list includes four targets, three of which are in our western neighbor. The attacks are planned for crowded places during the carnival, including Cologne.
According to "Welt," the street carnival begins on Thursday in Cologne and other German cities. Meanwhile, Islamic State terrorists are threatening attacks online.
Islamists have used social networks to call for attacks, including during the Cologne carnival, said Martin Lotz, the operational commander of the Cologne police during the carnival, to DPA.
Is ISIS planning attacks? Here's the list of targets
The German newspaper "Bild" was the first to report this call. The website of the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS) features a poster with four targets for attacks—two in Cologne, one in Nuremberg, and one in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam.
A police spokeswoman in Nuremberg said that they have no information on specific attack plans or threats.
"Welt" reports, citing sources in the security apparatus, that these calls are known and taken seriously. Such incitements to violence through IS propaganda channels are not new. Authorities assure the public that they are prepared for all possible scenarios.
Germany reacts after previous attacks
Recall the last attack that occurred in Germany when a 24-year-old Afghan drove into a crowd, injuring nearly 30 people. The suspect, Farhad N., was seeking asylum in Germany. This incident happened just before the Munich Security Conference.
Following past acts of terror, Germany is preparing a rigorous security plan for the carnival period. The security situation following attacks by radicalized lone wolves is more tense than in previous years, said Martin Lotz. He emphasized that although there are no specific indications of attack plans, preparing for anything is crucial.
The Cologne police plan to deploy up to 1,500 more officers during carnival days than on regular days. The street carnival kicks off on Thursday with the so-called Weiberfastnacht ("Women's Thursday," editor's note).
