What Are Raised Alerts?

Defcon Level tracks 14 commands: 11 official U.S. Combatant Commands and 3 monitoring commands (biological threats, natural disasters, and financial stability). Each carries an OSINT-estimated DEFCON readiness level from DEFCON 5 (normal peacetime) to DEFCON 1 (maximum readiness). When a command's estimated level is below DEFCON 5, it is considered "raised." This page shows only alerts from commands currently at raised status.

Alerts are grouped by priority. Breaking alerts cover fast-moving situations that may update within hours. Critical alerts address time-sensitive military or geopolitical developments with potential for escalation. High alerts track significant events affecting regional stability. Each alert is sourced from official statements, government public affairs offices, allied communications, and verified open-source intelligence.

The command grid below shows the current readiness level for every tracked command. The nuclear risk level is assessed separately from individual command readiness and appears below the command grid.

For all alerts including standard-priority updates from commands at normal readiness, visit the main Alerts page. For a breakdown of the indicators behind each command's current readiness estimate, see Raised Levels.

Energy Markets and Global Trade Corridors

CENTCOM's area of responsibility covers the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global petroleum liquids transit each year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. USPACOM's area of responsibility includes the South China Sea, through which an estimated one-third of global seaborne trade passes annually, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Together, these regions encompass several of the world's most significant maritime energy and trade corridors.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks conditions in both regions as part of its global petroleum supply monitoring, publishing regular assessments of chokepoint risk for energy transit. CISA maintains a public advisory feed at cisa.gov covering active cyber threats to critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, transportation, and financial systems. Current commodity prices, defense sector data, and financial impact analysis are available on the Financial Alerts page.

Current Command Readiness Levels

14 Commands Raised

Current OSINT-estimated DEFCON levels for all 14 tracked commands. Commands below DEFCON 5 are considered raised, reflecting open-source indicators that suggest elevated regional readiness. These are estimates, not official government data. Select any command for details and regional alerts.

Geographic Commands

Functional Commands

Current Nuclear Risk Level (OSINT Estimate)

Increased intelligence watch and strengthened security measures. Above normal readiness.

This is an OSINT estimate. Confirmed nuclear readiness status is classified and not publicly released. Assessment derived from open-source intelligence, official government statements, and publicly available data.

Civilian Readiness During Elevated Conditions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that households maintain emergency supply kits covering a minimum of 72 hours of water, food, medications, and critical documents, as a baseline measure independent of current threat conditions. Ready.gov provides standardized checklists covering shelter-in-place procedures, evacuation planning, and family communication protocols. Supply chain status and preparedness guidance by threat level are available on the Preparedness page.

Emergency preparedness planning covers both physical supplies and financial readiness, including emergency fund sizing and insurance coverage for extended disruption scenarios. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides household financial preparedness guidance at consumerfinance.gov and recommends maintaining liquid reserves covering three to six months of essential expenses. Asset protection strategies and portfolio considerations during periods of geopolitical instability are covered on the Financial Readiness page.

Raised Readiness Alerts

The following alerts are from commands currently operating at elevated readiness (below DEFCON 5). Alerts are grouped by priority: Breaking, Critical, High, and Standard.

30 Active Alerts

14 commands currently at elevated readiness.

Alert Additional Raised Alerts

Elevated DEFCON 3
U.S. Pacific Command

U.S. Forces Board Sanctioned Tanker Bertha in Indian Ocean and Capture Three Fleeing Boats Following Trans-Ocean Pursuit

The Bertha (IMO 9292163) is a large crude oil tanker managed by Shanghai Legendary Ship Management Company Limited. ...

Elevated DEFCON 3
Northern Command

Guanajuato State Declares All Incidents Contained After Spillover Violence Linked to Jalisco Operations - 23 Municipalities Affected

Authorities emphasized that all state and federal highways remain open and free of blockades, with no risk to travelers. ...

Elevated DEFCON 3
Northern Command

U.S. Secret Service Agents and Deputy Fatally Shoot Armed Intruder at Mar-a-Lago Perimeter

The man was observed near the north gate. Law enforcement confronted him during the encounter. He was pronounced deceased at the scene....

Elevated DEFCON 3
Northern Command

NORAD Detects and Tracks Five Russian Military Aircraft Operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone

NORAD launched two F-16 fighters, two F-35 fighters, one E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, and four KC-135 tankers to intercept the group...

Elevated DEFCON 3
Northern Command

Suspect Steals Ambulance and Rams Building Housing DHS Offices in Meridian, Idaho

Canyon County Paramedics confirmed no personnel were inside the ambulance and that the vehicle was unlawfully taken from their bay....

Elevated DEFCON 3
Africa Command

U.S. Continues Sustained Airstrike Campaign Against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab in Somalia

U.S. Africa Command carried out at least ten airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab militants in Somalia in February, including targeting positions in the Golis Mountains....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Southern Command

U.S. Conducts Three Lethal Kinetic Strikes on Narco-Trafficking Vessels in Eastern Pacific and Caribbean

SOUTHCOM Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting known trafficking routes and actively engaged in narco-trafficking operations...

Elevated DEFCON 3
U.S. Pacific Command

U.S. Forces Conduct Maritime Interdiction of Sanctioned Tanker Veronica III in Indian Ocean

The Panamanian-flagged tanker, IMO 9326055, transported cargo in violation of sanctions related to oil trade with Iran and Venezuela....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Southern Command

SOUTHCOM: Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Killing Three

The engagement led to the deaths of three individuals identified in official accounts....

Elevated DEFCON 3
European Command

Poland's Energy Sector Faced Coordinated Cyberattacks Targeting Renewable Facilities and Deploying Wiper Malware

The attacks targeted operational technology and industrial control systems at over 30 wind and solar farms, a combined heat and power plant serving nearly half a million customers...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Southern Command

US-Colombia Joint Operation Intercepts Narco-Submarine with 10 Tons of Cocaine in Pacific Waters

The operation targeted a semi-submersible vessel carrying 10 tons of cocaine valued at $441 million. Authorities destroyed the narcotics and arrested four crew members involved in the trafficking....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

U.S. and Indian Maritime Operations Target Oil Smuggling Amid Regional Security Threats in Indo-Pacific and Central Command Areas

Department of War: "The Aquila II was operating in defiance of President Trumpโ€™s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. It ran, and we followed". The Indian operation involved Al Jafzia (IMO 9171498, Nicaraguan flag), Asphalt Star (IMO 9463528, Malian flag), and Stellar Ruby (IMO 9555199, Iranian flag)....

Elevated DEFCON 3
European Command

Polish Armed Forces Continue Detect Balloon-Like Objects from Belarus Entering Airspace on February 8-9, Amid Escalating Hybrid Incursions

The frequency of such entries raises concerns about potential escalation, though no direct military confrontations have occurred....

Elevated DEFCON 3
European Command

Polish Armed Forces Report Fourth Consecutive Night of Balloon-Like Airspace Incursions from Belarus on February 3-4

Border Guard units have recovered multiple balloons, confirming their use for smuggling, with seven located after an earlier violation on December 24....

Elevated DEFCON 3
Africa Command

U.S. Deploys Small Military Team to Nigeria to Combat ISIS Threat

Following discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the U.S. deployed a small military team to Nigeria....

Elevated DEFCON 3
Africa Command

Drone Attack Targets Bangoka International Airport in Northeastern DRC, Authorities Attribute Incident to M23 Armed Group

Authorities attributed the incident to the M23 armed group and Rwanda. All drones were intercepted and neutralized prior to reaching the target...

Elevated DEFCON 3
European Command

Belarusian Balloon Incursions Escalate Hybrid Operations Along Poland-Belarus Border

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces tracked the objects, which authorities linked to ongoing hybrid operations...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

U.S. Central Command Initiates Transfer of ISIS Detainees from Syria to Iraq

MIDDLE EAST - U.S. Central Command forces transported 150 Islamic State fighters from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq on January 21 as part of a mission to maintain secure detention of terrorists....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

Iran Issues Temporary Restriction On Airspace Access For Civilian Flights

TEHRAN - On January 14, 2026, Iran issued a temporary restriction on airspace access within the Tehran Flight Information Region, affecting aviation operations for a limited duration. This measure limited transit to pre-authorized international civil flights, reflecting precautionary controls amid regional security dynamics. ...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

US Military Positioning in Middle East Signals Potential Iran Strike as Qatar Base Personnel Advised to Leave and Allies Urge Restraint

U.S. forces are confronting elevated threat conditions, with personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar advised to depart by the evening of January 14 amid warnings from Iran, which recalls the precautionary relocations undertaken before the strikes in June 2025 when aircraft were dispersed to bases in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to reduce vulnerability to retaliation....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

US Closely Monitoring Developments In Aleppo And Surrounding Region

U.S. Central Command has reported that the Command is closely monitoring developments in Aleppo and the surrounding region...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

U.S. Central Command Establishes Middle Eastern Air Defense Combined Operations Cell in Qatar

MIDDLE EAST - U.S. Central Command, in coordination with regional partners, established the Middle Eastern Air Defense Combined Operations Cell at Al Udeid Air Base on January 12. ...

Elevated DEFCON 3
Africa Command

U.S. and Somali Forces Continue Airstrikes and Ground Operations Against Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia

U.S. Africa Command, in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, has continued operations against al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia elements with a series of coordinated airstrikes and ground operations across Somalia....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

US, Israel Discuss Possible Intervention In Iran Amid Protests/Riots, Tehran

As U.S. President Donald Trump is briefed on additional potential strikes on Iran after his threat to respond to Tehran's violent crackdown on protesters and rioters, Iran warns that both U.S. military targets, and Israel will be "legitimate targets" if the United States carries out strikes on the country.ย ...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

U.S. and Partner Forces Execute Large-Scale Strikes Against ISIS Targets Across Syria

Elevated DEFCON 2
Central Command

Iran's Nationwide Protests, Riots Escalate with 65 Confirmed Deaths Amid Internet Blackout and US Intervention Warnings

Nationwide protests, escalating to riots in Iran sparked by economic collapse including currency devaluation and inflation exceeding 40 percent have resulted in 65 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries since December 28, as Iranโ€™s security forces deployed lethal measures across more than 180 cities....

Elevated DEFCON 3
Northern Command

Chemical Release: Shelter In Place At City of Deer Park, Texas

A chemical release at the City of Deer Park in Texas has caused the city to issue a shelter-in-place order. The chemical that was released is currently unknown, but officials said there is no danger to homes nearby...

Elevated DEFCON 2
Southern Command

US Coast Guard Executes Boarding And Seizure Of Motor Tanker Olina East Of Caribbean

CARIBBEAN - The U.S. Coast Guard has carried out a boarding operation against illicit maritime activity, seizing the Motor Tanker Olina in international waters east of the Caribbean. ...

Elevated DEFCON 3
European Command

US, UK Interdict Motor Tanker Bella I

US EUROPEAN COMMAND - The United States, with support from the United Kingdom, interdicted the motor tanker Bella I alongside the previously seized M/T Sophia....

Elevated DEFCON 2
Southern Command

U.S. Interdicts Stateless, Sanctioned Dark Fleet Motor Tanker M/T Sophia

In a coordinated pre-dawn operation, the Department of War and the Department of Homeland Security successfully intercepted the stateless motor tanker M/T Sophia, a sanctioned vessel linked to dark fleet activities in the Caribbean Sea. ...

Raised Alerts: Frequently Asked Questions

What does raised command readiness mean for civilians?

Raised readiness on this site reflects OSINT indicators suggesting a command may be operating at elevated alert levels. It does not represent an official government declaration and does not indicate an imminent emergency. Civilians monitoring conditions can track official guidance through Ready.gov, cisa.gov, and the State Department's travel advisory system for affected regions.

How are readiness estimates calculated?

Readiness levels are OSINT estimates derived from official government statements, military public affairs releases, verified open-source reporting, and publicly available satellite imagery. They are not based on classified intelligence and do not represent official government assessments. The methodology behind site readiness estimates is described on the Current Level page.

How often do command readiness levels change?

Command readiness levels are updated when new OSINT indicators warrant a change. Some commands hold elevated readiness for extended periods tied to sustained regional conditions, while others fluctuate with specific events. The Raised Levels page provides trend data and recent changes for each tracked command.

How is the nuclear risk level different from command readiness?

The nuclear risk level is a site-wide OSINT estimate of global nuclear threat posture, assessed independently from individual command readiness levels. It reflects open-source indicators from nuclear-armed states, arms control treaty reporting, and publicly available strategic posture statements. Detailed coverage, including current assessment and historical context, is available on the Nuclear Threat Level page.

Where can I find official emergency guidance?

Primary civilian guidance sources include Ready.gov for general emergency preparedness, cisa.gov for cybersecurity and infrastructure advisories, and the State Department's travel advisory portal for region-specific alerts. The Department of Homeland Security's public advisory system covers domestic threat conditions, and FEMA's Emergency Management Institute provides training resources for community preparedness at training.fema.gov.

Stay Informed on Raised Alerts

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Related Pages

Monitor readiness conditions, financial market impact, cybersecurity threat activity, and emergency preparedness status across all commands and threat categories.