READ FIRST

CIA-UAP-017, Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing

File ID: CIA-UAP-017
Agency: CIA
Release: Release 03, 12 Jun 2026
Event date: July, 2008 (read as Jul 2008; precision: month)
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Type: PDF
Redactions: None flagged

The official record

Official summary, as published

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.

Named in this file

3 names

People, programs and institutions from The Legacy Program research board whose names appear in this file, found by exact spelling against a hand-checked list. A match says only that the file names them, not what part they play. People and programs lists every file that names each one.

Tier A Central Intelligence Agency institution
Named in the title and page 1.
Independent civilian foreign intelligence service; convener of the Robertson Panel
Tier A Defense Intelligence Agency institution
Named in page 1.
Combat support agency; AAWSAP/AATIP executive agent
Tier B Federal Aviation Administration institution
Named in page 1.
Civil aviation regulator in the Department of Transportation; first-listed contributing agency to NARA Record Group 615

Our reading

READ FIRST

A SECRET/NOFORN CIA information report distributed 3 July 2008 to the White House Situation Room, DNI, FBI, FAA and many commands. It relays reporting of an object hovering over Harare International Airport on the afternoon of 2 July 2008, possibly seen by radar and optically, with "beams" emanating from it. Observers described a disc with a hollow center and rotating lights underneath that shifted color before it climbed out of sight. Those aware debated foreign reconnaissance versus extraterrestrial origin; the incident led to a high-alert decision.

Three separate measures, each with its reason. They are never added into a score.

E Evidence 1 of 3

Secondhand intelligence reporting of a multi-observer sighting, said to be possibly by radar and optical means; sourcing redacted.

N Novelty 3 of 3

The official summary calls it never before released; first public text of this July 2008 cable.

L Linkage 3 of 3

A CIA information report, approved for release under Section 1842 of the FY2024 NDAA.

People and programs

Tier A Central Intelligence Agency institution Tier A FY2024 NDAA, Public Law 118-31 - Div. A, Title XVIII, Subtitle C (secs. 1841-1843), UAP Records Collection; Div. G (IAA FY2024) secs. 7341, 7343 legislation

Reading published 31 Oct 2026.

Our saved copy

Download our saved copy (CIA-UAP-017_Placement_on_High_Alert_Due_to_Perceived_Aggressive_Foreign_Posturing.pdf)

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