Department of War·Videoredacted

IIR 1 655 S0053 23/Several Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Encountered In The Vicinity of Columbus OH"

Release
Release 02
Incident Date
2022
Location
Midwestern United States
Agency
Department of War

A military infrared sensor operating over the Columbus, Ohio area in November 2022 tracks at least two separate areas of contrast — one already in frame, one that enters, transits, and exits — over roughly 90 seconds of footage. AARO notes the video was uploaded to a classified network in March 2023 but flags an uncertain chain-of-custody, meaning its provenance hasn't been fully verified. The redacted element obscuring part of the sensor display is a small but notable detail, suggesting the platform or its configuration remains sensitive even in this limited release.

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, “IIR 1 655 S0053 23/Several Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Encountered In The Vicinity of Columbus OH,” is likely derived from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform operating within the United States Northern Command area of responsibility in November 2022. A user uploaded this video to a classified network in March 2023.

Video Duration: 00:01:28 Video Description: 00:00-00:04: No content. 00:05-00:07: The sensor pans to center a small area of contrast within its field-of-view. 00:11-00:37: The sensor cycles contrast modes and zoom levels while the area of contrast remains generally within the sensor field-of-view. 00:38-00:41: The orientation of the sensor relative to the area of contrast causes the area of contrast to appear to rotate. 00:42-01:14: A second area of contrast enters the frame from near the center of the top of the screen. It transits the sensor field-of-view, before becoming obscured by a redacted visual element of the sensor display. 01:17: The initial area of contrast loses distinctiveness against the background. 01:20: The sensor rotates, causing the second area of contrast to re-enter the scene before exiting the frame at the center of the top of the screen. 01:23-01:28: No content.

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.

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