GETTY DEFCON is an alert system used by the US military

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DEFCON is an alert system used by the US military to indicate the current threat of nuclear war. The system has five states of alert, increasing in severity from DEFCON 5 - the least severe - to DEFCON 1 - the highest level.

Currently, the levels is understood to be at 5. But conspiracy theorists have warned the threat has secretly been upgraded two levels to DEFCON 3 - meaning the US could mobilise troops in as little as 15 minutes.

GETTY Tensions between Russia and the US have continued to break down

The level was last upgraded to 3 in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 - with standby ordered for a potential rise to DEFCON 2. Now website DEFCON warning system claim it has been upgraded again in a terrifying revelation - and could be a sign nuclear war with the US is imminent. While there are currently no imminent threats to the US, it claimed the situation is “fluid and can change rapidly.”

GETTY This week Russia tested out the capabilities of its Topol ballistic missiles

GETTY Russian citizens have been encouraged to find bomb shelters and gas masks

It is recommended that all citizens learn the steps to be taken in the event of nuclear war. Conspiracy theory website DEFCON warning system

However it also highlighted the dying relationship between the US and Russia, citing concerns of all-out warfare between the bitter rivals. A statement posted on its website read: “Tensions between Russia and the United States have reached levels beyond the cold war in the recent week. “The situation between Russia and the United States is extremely fluid at the moment. In all likelihood as dynamic as at times during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. “At this time, the DEFCON Warning System feels that an increase to DEFCON 3 would be a prudent move.”

GETTY Now world leaders fear Putin's moves are being carried out in preparation for war

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Russian citizens have been encouraged to find bomb shelters and gas masks today, as state-sponsored infomercials on television gave out guidelines on how people should prepare for a nuclear attack. President Vladimir Putin meanwhile has ordered the evacuation of 40 million people in a military drill. He also transferred nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles to one of its strategic Baltic regions last week, in what officials claim was part of regular military manoeuvres. However many world leaders fear the moves are being carried out in preparation for war.

GETTY Vladimir Putin ordered the evacuation of 40 million people in a military drill