UNCLASSIFIED // PUBLIC RELEASERELEASE 02 · MAY 22, 2026
PENTAGON UFO FILE · VIDEO · DOW-UAP-PR055Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds 23 Nov 2020
“AFG” in this file’s title is the standard abbreviation for Afghanistan, and the uploader dated the footage 23 November 2020. AARO confirms only part of that: it places the video in U.S. Central Command’s area, which included Afghanistan, in November 2020, and believes an infrared sensor on a U.S. military platform recorded it. The clip was posted on a classified network in June 2024 and found during AARO’s response to the March 2026 House request.
Processed first, original last
The order is unusual. The video opens with a card reading “zoomed in,” then shows a patch of contrast near the top left corner moving rightward until it fades into the background. A second card lists the processing — sharpened, zoomed, motion-tracked, contrast-enhanced and slowed to 60% speed — before a slowed, magnified replay. Only at the end, after a card reading “original video,” does the unaltered footage play: the patch appears near the top center, drops down to the left, swings right and is lost against the background.
“In and out of clouds”
The title suggests the object was passing through cloud, but AARO’s description mentions no clouds; it says only that the contrast area lost distinctiveness against what was behind it. The “spherical” shape is also the uploader’s reading. Because the original segment is so short, most of what a viewer sees is enhanced footage, which AARO presents as received and does not assess. On infrared imaging, see FLIR.
The official description
From war.gov/UFO, released May 22, 2026, quoted in full
On March 6, 2026, eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives requested access to 51 potentially UAP-related records allegedly held by the Department of War and the Intelligence Community. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) identified a collection of responsive materials held on a classified network. Many of these materials lack a substantiated chain-of-custody.
AARO assesses that this video, whose uploader-defined title is, “Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds 23 Nov 2020,” is likely derived from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform operating in the United States Central Command area of responsibility in November 2020. A user uploaded this video to a classified network in June 2024.
Video Duration: 00:00:47 Video Description: This media was digitally altered prior to its upload to a classified network, and is presented as received.
00:00-00:02: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “zoomed in.” 00:03-00:10: An area of contrast becomes visible near the top left corner of the screen, transiting from left to right before losing distinctiveness against the background. 00:11-00:12: A black screen appears featuring the phrase “sharpened, zoomed motion tracked contrast enhanced slow to 60% speed.” 00:12-00:28: The video replays at reduced speed and increased zoom level. 00:28-00:29: A black screen appears featuring the phrase, “original video.” 00:30-00:47: An area of contrast appears near the center of the top of the frame, transits downward to the left, before moving to the right and losing distinctiveness against the background.
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.