Incident · 2 July 2008 · Harare International Airport, Zimbabwe
Harare International Airport object
Also known as Harare 2008, Zimbabwe UFO 2008
On the afternoon of 2 July 2008 an unidentified object was reported hovering at high altitude directly over Harare International Airport in Zimbabwe. A CIA information report disseminated the next day — "not finally evaluated intelligence" — says it was observed possibly by both radar and optical means, and relays the observers' description of a disc-like object with a hollow centre and rotating lights underneath, "beams" coming from it, and a rapid climb out of sight after its lights changed colour.
The report notes that those aware of the incident debated whether it was a foreign reconnaissance device or something extraterrestrial, and that, regardless of its origin, the sighting fed into a decision to place a Zimbabwean unit on high alert amid what the report calls perceived aggressive foreign posturing. The observers and the unit are redacted. The cable was approved for release under Section 1842 of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act and published in the third PURSUE release (June 2026).
The report records what was relayed, not an analysis: there is no published radar data, imagery or follow-up assessment.
Sources: CIA-UAP-017 (PURSUE release 03, local copy)
Facts and claims
- documented A CIA intelligence information report disseminated on 3 July 2008 relays reporting from Zimbabwe about an unidentified object hovering at high altitude over Harare International Airport on the afternoon of 2 July 2008, observed "possibly by both radar and optical means". Source: CIA-UAP-017 — Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing
- claimed According to the observers cited in the report, the object was disc-like with a hollow centre and a series of rotating lights on its underside; "beams" were seen coming from it, and after a period under observation its lights changed colour and it climbed quickly out of sight. Source: CIA-UAP-017 — Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing
- documented The report says people aware of the incident debated whether the object was "an advanced reconnaissance device belonging to a foreign government" or "an unidentified flying object of extraterrestrial origins", and that, whatever its origin, the incident contributed to a decision to place a Zimbabwean element on high alert (partly redacted). Source: CIA-UAP-017 — Placement on High Alert Due to Perceived Aggressive Foreign Posturing
Connected files
Official records (PURSUE)
Organizations
- Central Intelligence Agency (reported by)
Mentioned in this file
- PURSUE — Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (Program)
- PURSUE Release 03 (Event)