Berlin, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Police in Germany are on high alert ahead of the country's traditional carnival celebrations following warnings from social media channels linked to the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Police spokespersons mentioned concerns about potential attacks targeting revelers in Cologne and Nuremberg.
A report by Bild newspaper stated that a German-language IS propaganda website featured a computer-generated collage urging viewers to "choose your next attack target," along with dates and locations of upcoming carnival events. The collage also included the planned "Festival of Love" in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as a potential target, illustrated with a graphic of a bloody knife and the hashtag #LetsSlaughter.
Recent years have seen Germany facing a series of high-profile attacks associated with Islamist connections, particularly leading up to national elections.
The week-long carnival celebrations, starting this Thursday, attract large crowds in predominantly Catholic regions of southern and western Germany where party-goers gather to enjoy festivities, consume alcohol, and dance in the streets. Cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf in the Rhineland region are especially known for vibrant celebrations, with the peak occurring on "Rose Monday" featuring humorous or satirical floats in massive street parades.
Authorities in Cologne have adjusted operational plans for the events in response to the threats, deploying over 1,400 officers at key locations, intensifying emergency services, and conducting thorough security checks on attendees.
In Nuremberg, carnival organizers took precautionary measures by canceling the "International Carnival Parade" event after concerns were raised due to its mention on the IS-related website. Police in Nuremberg are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with state security services, emphasizing that there is currently no specific indication of an imminent attack plot.