US forces on alert around the world

President Bush put all American military forces overseas on high alert tonight.

The US European Command in Stuttgart said it was taking ‘‘prudent and immediate steps’’ to ensure the safety and security of US forces based in Europe and their families.

The command declined to release further details, citing security reasons.

A spokesman for the US Air Force bases in Ramstein and Spangdahlem, Germany, said military police were securing the bases and housing areas.

‘‘We are continuing to assess what’s going on and adjust accordingly,’’ said Hilda Patton, a spokeswoman for the US Army 5th Corps, based in Heidelberg.

On the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, home to more than half of the 47,000 US troops stationed in Japan, military television and radio bulletins announced that all units had been ordered to the highest of five states of alert.

A US military spokesman in Tokyo confirmed that tighter security measures had been taken by base authorities around the country but declined to provide details.

‘‘We are increasing force protection levels but obviously I won’t talk about any specific actions we are taking at the moment,’’ said Col. Jeanette Minnich, director of public affairs for US Forces Japan.

In Hawaii, in addition to the military being put on high alert, Governor Ben Cayetano said the National Guard was partially mobilised to assist police departments, airport security and other government security personnel.

Cayetano also activated the state civil defence at Diamond Head.

All personnel assigned to ships and submarines at Pearl Harbour were ordered to report to work, said Lieutenant Commander Jane Campbell.

All nonessential Navy personnel to remain at home, including military and Department of defence civilian personnel who work at Navy facilities throughout Hawaii.