Summary
This infrared video is assessed to have come from a U.S. military sensor operating in the U.S. Central Command region in October 2020. The sensor tracks an area of contrast over several minutes, cycling zoom and modes as the object fades against the background, then briefly picks up another area of contrast near the end. The file was uploaded to a classified network in October 2020 and released through the PURSUE declassification.
Detail
This Department of War video was identified by AARO among materials requested by U.S. House of Representatives members in March 2026. AARO assesses the footage likely came from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform operating within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in October 2020, uploaded to a classified network that month. The clip runs about four minutes and 34 seconds.
An area of contrast enters from the right and the sensor pans to keep it centered, cycling zoom levels and modalities over several minutes to hold focus on the increasingly faint object until it loses distinctiveness against the background. After a short gap with no content, another area of contrast appears on the right and the sensor pans to bring it to the center. AARO states the description is informational only, and the record was released through the PURSUE declassification.
