ISIS threats spark heightened security at German carnivals

The Islamic State has called for terrorist attacks in Europe, according to media reports from Germany. The Islamists’ list includes four targets, three of which are in our western neighbour. The attacks will occur in places with large crowds due to 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 the call. The website of the terrorist organisation Islamic State (ISIS) features a poster with four targets of attacks – two of them are located in Cologne, one in Nuremberg, and one in the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

A police spokeswoman in Nuremberg said that they have no information on specific attack plans or particular threats.

“Welt” reports, citing sources in the security apparatus, that these calls are known and taken seriously. Such calls for acts of violence through IS propaganda channels are nothing new. Authorities ensure that they are prepared for all possible scenarios.
Germany reacts after the attacks

Let’s recall that the last attack occurred in Germany, where a 24-year-old Afghan drove into a crowd, injuring nearly 30 people. The suspect, Farhad N., was seeking asylum in Germany. The incident took place just before the Munich Security Conference.

Following previous acts of terror, Germany is preparing a rigorous security plan for the carnival period. – The security situation after the attacks by radicalised lone wolves is more tense than in previous years – said Martin Lotz. He emphasised that although there are no specific indications of attack plans, it is even more important to be prepared for anything.

The Cologne police plan to deploy up to 1,500 more officers than on normal days during the carnival. The street carnival begins on Thursday with the so-called Weiberfastnacht (“Women’s Thursday,” editor’s note).

Source » msn