Raised Alerts
Live DEFCON readiness status and priority alerts from commands at elevated levels.
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 RaisedCurrent 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
AFRICOM
Africa Command
Raised
CENTCOM
Central Command
Raised
EUCOM
European Command
Raised
INDOPACOM
U.S. Pacific Command
Raised
NORTHCOM
Northern Command
Raised
SOUTHCOM
Southern Command
RaisedFunctional 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.
Alert Additional Raised Alerts
U.S. Military High-Energy Laser System Accidentally Downs CBP Drone Near Fort Hancock, Texas, Prompting FAA Airspace Closure
Congressional aides stated the incident occurred in an area frequently used by drug-cartel drones crossing from Mexico....
U.S. Declassifies Seismic Evidence Confirming Lop Nur Nuclear Explosion In 2020
U.S. analysts estimate a yield of approximately 10 tons nuclear (or 5 tons conventional equivalent), assuming the blast was fully contained in solid rock....
US Responds After Cuban Border Guards Kill Four in Clash with Florida-Registered Speedboat Near Villa Clara
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American authorities are conducting an independent investigation and will not rely solely on Cuban-provided information...
Cuban Border Guard Troops Engage U.S.-Registered Speedboat in Territorial Waters, Killing Four and Injuring Six
In the exchange that followed, the Embassy said that four individuals on the U.S. registered vessel were killed and six were injured....
NORAD and NORTHCOM Initiate Arctic Edge 2026 Multi-Domain Field Training Exercise in Alaska and Greenland
All training activities in Greenland proceed in full coordination with the Kingdom of Denmark. ...
U.S. Southern Command Directs Lethal Kinetic Strikes on Vessels Linked to Designated Terrorist Organizations in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
On February 23, SOUTHCOM directed a lethal kinetic strike in the Caribbean, while a separate strike on February 20 targeted a vessel in the Eastern Pacific. ...
Jalisco New Generation Cartel Retaliation After Reported Death of Leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes Prompts Shelter-in-Place Orders in Puerto Vallarta
Shootouts with security forces and explosions occurred in the area. A shelter-in-place order took effect in Puerto Vallarta, with all taxi and rideshare services suspended until further notice....
Pakistan Conducts Precision Airstrikes on Seven Militant Camps in Eastern Afghanistan Following Suicide Bombings
The operation, described by Pakistani officials as selective and precision-guided, responded to a series of suicide bombings inside Pakistan during Ramadan...
US Reaches Strike-Ready Posture with Two Carrier Strike Groups and B-2 Bombers as Iran Conducts Rocket Launches and Joint Naval Drills with Russia
The United Kingdom has not granted permission for the US to use Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford for any strike on Iran, citing concerns over international law....
Trump Opposes UK-Mauritius Diego Garcia Lease, Cites Potential Need for Iran Contingency Operations
President Trump has publicly opposed the UK-Mauritius 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, warning Prime Minister Starmer the arrangement risks undermining US access to this key Indian Ocean base....
Syrian Army Secures Al-Shaddadi Base Following US-Coordinated Withdrawal in Northeastern Syria
US forces withdrew from al-Shaddadi around early February, with convoys transporting equipment and detainees toward Iraq. ...
U.S. Forces Execute Airstrike Against ISIS-Somalia in Gollis Mountains as Somali Operation Hidden Sword Secures Advances in Lower Shabelle
Somali forces achieved territorial gains in Lower Shabelle through Operation Hidden Sword, with the January 15 engagement in Bulunagaad resulting in significant militant losses....
U.S. Executes Sustained Precision Strikes Against ISIS Targets in Syria Following Deadly Ambush
U.S. Central Command delivered precision munitions via fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft to dismantle infrastructure and weapons storage sites....
U.S. Forces Complete ISIS Detainee Transfer from Syria to Iraq Amid Al-Tanf Base Withdrawal
This operation followed the orderly departure of U.S. forces from al-Tanf Garrison on February 11, as part of consolidating American military locations in the country....
US Marine Declared Deceased After Overboard Incident Aboard USS Iwo Jima During Caribbean Operations
The incident occurred while the vessel was conducting routine operations in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment....
USS Truxtun and USNS Supply Collide During Replenishment Operation
Two personnel sustained minor injuries and remain in stable condition. Both vessels continue to sail safely while an investigation proceeds....
Cartel Drone Incursion: Threat Neutralized, FAA Airspace Restrictions Lifted
This action designates the areas as national defense airspace, prohibiting all aircraft operations within a 10 nautical mile radius centered near the El Paso VORTAC...
Explosion Reported Around A Military Convoy in Southeastern Iran
The sound of the blast was heard across the city, leading to an increased deployment of military and security forces at the scene....
Two Killed in Shooting of Civilian Aircraft on Landing in Indonesia's Papua Region
The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time, involving a Cessna Caravan operated by Smart Air, which was carrying 13 passengers....
Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Enter Japanese Territorial Waters Near Senkaku Islands Amid Sovereignty Dispute
Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels entered Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on February 10, according to Japan Coast Guard reports, while China described the activity as patrols in it...
Trump Considers Second Carrier Deployment Amid Stalled Iran Talks as Tehran Warns of Forceful Response
The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group remains in the Arabian Sea, with approximately 35,000 U.S. troops in the region centered at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar....
U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab in Southern Somalia
According to U.S. Africa Command, the strike was carried out in southern Somalia, approximately 32 miles (51 kilometers) northeast of Kismayo....
Somali Forces Eliminate 14 Al-Shabaab Militants in Lower Juba Amid US Airstrikes Against ISIS and Al-Shabaab
US Africa Command carried out airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia, including operations on February 3 and February 1 in the Golis Mountains....
U.S. Southern Command Conducts Lethal Kinetic Strike on Narco-Trafficking Vessel in Eastern Pacific
The strike resulted in two fatalities and one survivor who triggered a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue response....
Indian Coast Guard Dismantles International Oil Smuggling Syndicate in Arabian Sea Operation
Escorted to Mumbai, the vessels await further investigation by customs and other agencies....
U.S. Capitol Police: Training Exercise
"Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles and low flying helicopters."...
Suicide Bombing at Khadijatul Kubra Shia Mosque in Islamabad Kills at Least 31 and Injures Over 169 During Friday Prayers
The attack targeted worshipers gathered for Friday prayers, with the bomber intercepted by security personnel before entering the main hall....
U.S. Southern Command: Joint Task Force Southern Spear Conducts Lethal Kinetic Strike On Vessel
On Feb. 5, at the direction of SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations....
Trump Warns Iran Amid Diplomatic Standoff, IRGC Navy Seizes Fuel Smuggling Vessels
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group remained deployed in the Arabian Sea, responding to prior incidents including a drone interception and vessel harassment in the Strait of Hormuz. ...
U.S. Central Command Conducts Five Precision Strikes Against ISIS Targets in Syria from January 27 to February 2
These actions continue Operation Hawkeye Strike, initiated on December 19, in response to the December 13, 2025, ambush in Palmyra that killed two U.S. service members and one American interpreter....
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
Subscribe to receive notifications when commands raise their readiness levels or when breaking alerts are published.
Related Pages
Monitor readiness conditions, financial market impact, cybersecurity threat activity, and emergency preparedness status across all commands and threat categories.
Raised Levels
Current readiness levels for all commands with trend data and recent changes.
Current DEFCON Level
Global threat assessment and live readiness status.
Financial Alerts
Market impact analysis, commodity prices, and economic risk during elevated conditions.
Cyber Threats
Active cyber operations, infrastructure targeting, and digital security advisories.
Preparedness
Emergency supply status, readiness checklists, and preparedness guidance by threat level.
All Alerts
Complete intelligence alert feed across all commands and priority levels.