Police are on high alert ahead of Germany's traditional carnival celebrations this week after social media connected to the Islamic State militant group called for attacks targeting revellers in Cologne and Nuremberg,

Islamists have used social networks to call for attacks, including during the Cologne carnival, Martin Lotz, head of the Cologne police's carnival operations, told dpa. He said that these kinds of statement also aimed at unsettling the population and that the police's operational concept will be adapted again as the region prepares for days of festivities.

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,

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,