BERLIN (Reuters) - 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, said police spokespeople.

Ahead of Carnival celebrations kicking off in Germany on Thursday, the Islamic State militant group called for attacks targeting revellers in Cologne and Nuremberg.Islamists suspected of belonging to the so-called Islamic State have used social networks to call for attacks-- including on Cologne's upcoming Carnival celebration.

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,