Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 8: The United States Department of War has released the first tranche of declassified files related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), making videos, photographs and government documents publicly accessible for the first time.
The files have been uploaded on the official portal and can be accessed without any security clearance.
The release is part of PURSUE — Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters — an interagency transparency initiative launched under US President Donald Trump.
Officials described it as the first large-scale public disclosure of UAP-related material by a US administration.
UAP, or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, is a broader scientific term used in place of UFOs. While UFO refers specifically to unidentified flying objects, UAP includes unusual or unexplained phenomena observed in the air, sea, space or on land.
The released material includes declassified videos, photographs and original source documents gathered from multiple intelligence and defence agencies.
The initiative involves several US agencies, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, NASA, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which handles investigations into unexplained aerial and anomalous incidents.
According to officials, the files had remained classified for years, fuelling speculation and public debate surrounding UFO sightings and unexplained phenomena.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the release was aimed at ensuring greater transparency.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said additional files could be declassified in future phases of the programme.
Jared Isaacman said NASA’s role was to analyse available data scientifically and openly communicate findings, including incidents that remain unexplained.
Officials clarified that although all documents had undergone national security review, many of the reported anomalies have not yet been scientifically resolved.
The release is being seen as a major development in the long-running global debate surrounding UFOs and unexplained aerial sightings.