Misshapen ball of white light flashing across FMV feed — Syria theater, October 2024

On 20 October 2024 between 1559Z and 1644Z, a redacted AFSOC ISR aircraft conducting FMV/SIGINT collection at approximately 20,088 ft over the Syria theater observed multiple unexplained light flashes and glare events crossing its FMV camera feed at varying angles and directions. The aircrew assessed the UAP as benign and ruled out a laser-lasing event. The physical state was recorded as 'Plasma' in the MISREP UAP block; no propulsion, payload, or intelligent control was identified.

“"MISHAPEN AND UNEVEN BALL OF WHITE LIGHT." / "LIGHT/GLARE FROM UNKNOWN ORIGIN FLASHED ACCROSS FMV CAMERA FEED. AIRCREW ASSESSED THIS NOT TO BE A LASING EVENT."”

Document declassified 24 October 2025 by USCENTCOM. Aircraft callsign, tail number, MDS type, and precise MGRS coordinates are redacted under (b)(1)1.4a/(b)(1)1.4g. Duration computed from 1559Z to 1644Z = 45 minutes (2700 seconds). Location approximated to Syria theater centroid (MGRS 37SFU zone covers NE Syria). UAP Physical State field lists 'Plasma' — this is a DoD form categorization, not an independent scientific determination. Observer platform altitude of 20,088 ft is explicitly stated. Number of UAP sighted field left blank in source. Confidence slightly reduced due to redaction of aircraft identity and precise position.