Iraq Jellyfish UAP

The Incident

In late 2017 or early 2018, personnel at a US military base in Iraq's Anbar Province witnessed an unusual aerial object described as resembling a jellyfish or 'spaghetti monster.' The sighting occurred over the base near Lake Hibernia and was documented on thermal or optical video from an aerostat—a large surveillance balloon equipped with imaging systems.

Visual Description

The object exhibited distinctive characteristics that set it apart from conventional military aircraft or known UAVs. It appeared translucent or dark in color, with three or more dangling appendages extending below the main body. Throughout the 17-minute observation period, the object reportedly shifted colors from black to gray to white. Its movement was described as floating or hovering rather than powered flight, and it did not appear to pose an immediate threat to the base.

Witness Account

Michael Cincoski, who served as an Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) tactical controller at the base in January 2018, came forward publicly years later to confirm the sighting. According to Cincoski, the object became an ongoing topic among base personnel, referred to colloquially as the 'ghost story of the base.' Marines nicknamed it the 'spaghetti monster,' though it became publicly known as the 'jellyfish UFO' after footage was released. Some personnel were tasked with attempting to locate or investigate the object during and after the sighting.

Video Evidence & Release

The incident remained largely undisclosed until early 2024, when filmmaker and UFO investigator Jeremy Corbell released thermal footage of the object. The video, recorded from the aerostat's camera system, showed the object for its entire 17-minute duration before it allegedly disappeared in the direction of Lake Hibernia.

Recent Manifestation

A notable re-sighting occurred on September 17, 2025, when similar aerial phenomena were reported over Iraq, suggesting either recurrence of the phenomenon or documentation of previously unreported sightings.

Official Response

The US military and Pentagon have not officially confirmed details of the incident, though multiple credible military witnesses have gone on record. The object remains unidentified despite analysis by military intelligence specialists.