CIA · CIA-UAP-017
Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing (Harare, 2008)
This is a three-page CIA cable, classified SECRET//NOFORN, distributed widely across the U.S. intelligence and defense community (addressees include the White House Situation Room, DNI, DIA, NSA, and many commands), reporting that Zimbabwe was placed on high alert in early July 2008 in connection with an unidentified object hovering over Harare International Airport on 2 July 2008. The object was reportedly observed possibly by both radar and optical means, described as disc-like with a hollow center and rotating underside lights, and "beams" were reportedly observed emanating from it before it ascended out of visual range.
Key excerpts
“According to observers [redacted] the object was disc-like in shape with a hollow center, and had a series of rotating lights on the underside of the airframe. After a period under observation from the ground, the rotating lights under the object shifted colors and the object quickly ascended to higher altitudes and out of visual range. (p. 2)”
Alternative hypotheses
Conventional aircraft, drone, or reconnaissance platform
most probable).
Misperceived astronomical or atmospheric phenomenon
Reporting embellishment / rumor through the channel
Genuine unidentified object