Department of War PURSUE File
CIA-UAP-017, Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing
Harare, Zimbabwe·July, 2008
Editorial summary
This CIA information report, dated July 2008, describes an unidentified object reported over Harare International Airport in Zimbabwe. On the afternoon of July 2, 2008, the object was observed at high altitude, possibly by both radar and optical means. Observers described it as disc-like with a hollow center and rotating lights on its underside, and reported that beams appeared to emanate from it. The object then shifted the color of its lights and quickly ascended out of view. Officials debated whether it was a foreign reconnaissance device or of extraterrestrial origin. The report notes the incident contributed to a decision to place Zimbabwe on high alert.
Editorial summary written by govweird from the declassified document text. The official government description follows below.
Government description
A never before released July 2008 report on a UFO sighting at the Harare International Airport. Individuals debated if the sighting was an advanced reconnaissance device of a foreign government or of extraterrestrial origins.
Caption issued by the U.S. Department of War on war.gov/ufo. Verbatim, unedited.
Originating agency
Central Intelligence Agency
Record type
Incident date
July, 2008
Incident location
Harare, Zimbabwe
Release tranche
Release 03 (May 8, 2026)
Distribution
Cleared for public release