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The footage is a Department of War video submitted to AARO, with the uploader-defined title "Syrian UAP instant acceleration." AARO assesses that it was likely derived from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform operating in the United States Central Command area of responsibility in 2021.

A user uploaded the video to a classified network in June 2024. AARO noted that many materials in this set lack a substantiated chain-of-custody, and the released file is redacted.

What the sensor shows, as described in the release:

This media was digitally altered prior to its upload to a classified network, and is presented as received.
00:01-00:19: The sensor pans to maintain the position of an area of contrast within the center of the frame.
00:20-00:21: The sensor stops tracking the area of contrast, causing it to rapidly exit the right side of the frame.
00:22-00:27: No content.
00:27-00:29 A black screen appears featuring the phrase “white edge threshold enhancement in attempt to highlight UAP shape. Original clip excerpt at 100% speed.”
00:30-00:50: The video replays with digital alterations applied.
00:51-00:53: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “50% speed.”
00:54-01:05: The video replays with digital alterations applied.
01:06-01:08: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “25% speed.”
01:09-01:35: The video replays with digital alterations applied.
01:36-01:41: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “B/W values inverted, picture zoomed”
01:42-02:03: The video replays with digital alterations applied.
02:04-02:09: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “full original clip TRT: 2:52”
02:10-03:49: The video replays, showing additional footage of the area of contrast at its original resolution on a far zoom.
03:50-04:02: The sensor rapidly zooms in and out.
04:03-04:28: The sensor focuses and zooms in, locking a reticle around the area of contrast.
04:29-5:01: The video replays 00:20-00:21, the period in which the sensor stops tracking the area of contrast, causing it to rapidly exit the right side of the frame.

Declassified by the Department of War under the PURSUE UAP records release (tranche of 5/22/26).
Agency: Department of War
Incident: 2021, CENTCOM
Document ID: DOW-UAP-PR051
This release is redacted.
Running time: 5 minutes 2 seconds.