DOW-UAP-PR040, Unresolved UAP Report, Middle East, 2020
Key moments
Official description
The United States Central Command submitted a report of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon to the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) consisting of one minute and three seconds of video footage from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform in 2020. The original reporter digitally altered the imagery by pausing the video playback and adding a white line encircling an area of interest at timestamp 00:10, annotated with the phrase “U/I SMALL THERMAL SIGNATURE.” AARO did not edit the originally reported material, and this media is presented as received.
✦ AI visual analysis
Grayscale infrared sensor footage showing an expansive cloud field with a cyan tracking reticle, corner brackets, and a letter-N marker centered on the frame, plus black redaction boxes along the edges. In these two frames the view is filled mostly with cloud texture and no clearly defined bright object is visible.
Generated with AI from the official file — may contain errors.
Official video description
00:00-00:09: An area of contrast brightens within the sensor field-of-view, becoming increasingly distinct against the background. 00:10-00:14: Playback pauses to display a white line encircling an area of interest, annotated with the phrase “U/I SMALL THERMAL SIGNATURE.” 00:15-01:03: Playback resumes, with the sensor panning to track the area of contrast against the background, generally maintaining the area of contrast’s position within the top third of the display area. During this period, the sensor cycles through several contrast and zoom settings. This video description is provided for informational purposes only. Readers should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting an analytical judgment, investigative conclusion, or factual determination regarding the described event’s validity, nature, or significance.
Source: U.S. Department of War / AARO — public domain · war.gov/ufo
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