Overview

• Germany's Rhineland Carnival, a six-day festival culminating on Rose Monday, has commenced with increased security measures following threats linked to the Islamic State (IS).
• Police have deployed over 9,900 officers across North Rhine-Westphalia, with 1,500 stationed in Cologne alone, alongside barriers and enhanced bag and knife checks.
• IS-linked propaganda called for attacks on specific locations, including Cologne's Alter Markt, but authorities believe the threats are intended to unsettle the public rather than indicate imminent danger.
• Recent attacks in Munich, Solingen, and Aschaffenburg have heightened the overall security situation, with some smaller towns canceling parades due to the cost of increased safety measures.
• Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker urged citizens to celebrate without fear, emphasizing resilience against terrorism and the importance of maintaining cultural traditions.