The Islamic State is calling for terrorist attacks in Europe, according to media reports from Germany. The list of targets by the Islamists includes four locations, three of which are in Germany. The attacks are expected to occur in crowded places during the carnival,

The Carnival period in Germany usually draws millions of people onto the streets. Now the Islamic State is threatening acts of terror. How seriously should such threats be taken?

Police are on high alert during Germany's carnival after social media sites linked to ISIS called for attacks in Cologne and Nuremberg. Security is being enhanced with over 1,400 officers deployed. Some events have been cancelled amid safety concerns.

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.