Summary
This infrared video is assessed to have come from a U.S. military sensor operating in the U.S. Central Command region in 2020. After an empty opening, an area of contrast crosses the frame, additional areas appear as the sensor cycles zoom, and the sensor settles on tracking a later-appearing object while others enter and exit. The nearly five-minute file was uploaded to a classified network in August 2020 and released through the PURSUE declassification.
Detail
This Department of War video was identified by AARO among records 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 2020, uploaded to a classified network in August 2020. The clip runs about four minutes and 58 seconds.
After an initial period of no content, an area of contrast enters at the upper left, crosses the frame, and exits at the bottom. The sensor then cycles zoom levels as additional areas of contrast appear; a second one enters from the left, and the sensor pans to track it while the first exits. Through the remainder, several areas of contrast enter and exit while the sensor stays focused on the second object. AARO states the description is informational only, and the record was released through the PURSUE declassification.
