As if the world couldn’t get any stranger, the Pentagon has just declassified top secret videos featuring an “unidentified aerial phenomena”. The three videos in question were previously leaked by the To The Stars Academy – helmed by formed member of Blink 182 – and were published by the New York Times.
The videos have become some of the most famous to depict UFO’s – and no, that doesn’t necessarily mean aliens are to blame. In one video, a pilot can be heard saying “Wow, what is that man? Look at it fly,” while another reveals a rotating flying object.
Many have questioned why the Pentagon chose a time like this to release the footage – particularly with the ongoing global crisis.
A statement released by the Department of Defence read, “DOD is releasing the videos in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real, or whether or not there is more to the videos.”
“After a thorough review, the department has determined that the authorized release of these unclassified videos does not reveal any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not impinge on any subsequent investigations of military air space incursions by unidentified aerial phenomena,” it read.
As mentioned, the footage was released originally by the To The Stars Academy, however it was an NYT article that brought to light the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program – a secret program to study the existence of UFO’s. The program was created in 2007 and was dissolved by 2012. The head of the program, Luis Elizondo, went on to become an employee of the To The Stars Academy.
So, what are the possibilities of aliens being the cause? Elizondo believes that the UFOs are “displaying characteristics that are not currently within the US inventory nor in any foreign inventory that we are aware of.” Meaning, in his words that, “There is very compelling evidence that we may not be alone.”
However, the significance of Pentagon releasing the footage should not be ignored. Despite the videos being in the public sphere, some for over a decade, this is the first instance that the Pentagon is acknowledging UFO’s existence. This could mean that any future research into the phenomena could be made transparent to the public. Although, it’s probably best not to hold your breath for that.
A former Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, from Nevada, hinted that the footage was only scratching the surface of ‘research and materials available.’ Maybe we won’t get access anytime soon to what lies under the surface, but in the meantime, conspiracy theorists can enjoy a compelling resurgence of alien theories.
With experience in both communications and PR, Aisha also works as a digital artist in her free time. Her work has been featured in the likes of CNN Africa, Buzzfeed, VH1 and more.
As a magazine focused on sustainability and the environment, Aisha is committed to writing about environmental challenges across the globe, especially in countries that may not have had extensive exposure. She is also dedicated to highlighting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the long process to achieving them.
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