The search for aliens has reached ridiculous proportions in the last few days as the Facebook event 'Storm Area 51' has been going viral. From the initial thousands, the event has more than a million people who have registered to raid the secret base Area 51. The place has been at the centre of several conspiracy theories related to extraterrestrial events. Nevertheless, apart from inspiring countless jokes and memes on social media, the event has gained so much publicity that the US Air Force had to intervene. They have issued a warning to those who may try to storm  Area 51.  'Storm Area 51' Raid to Search Aliens! Facebook Event Invites Everyone to Search for Extra-Terrestrials in Nevada on September 20.

Given the stunning response to the event, the page had to admit that it's a joke. So while the page intends to storm the Area 51 and do a Naruto Run to outdo the extraterrestrial forces, it also mentioned that it is all in good humour. User Jackson Barnes posted on the page, "P.S. Hello US government, this is a joke, and I do not actually intend to go ahead with this plan. I just thought it would be funny and get me some thumbsy uppies on the Internet. I'm not responsible if people decide to actually storm area 51."

With all that is happening and people readying themselves to take on the secret base, Air Force spokeswoman Laura McAndrews spoke to The Washington Post clearly mentioning they are aware of it. She has also issued a warning to those who may actually show up at the training range. McAndrews said, "[Area 51] is an open training range for the US Air Force, and we would discourage anyone from trying to come into the area where we train American armed forces. The US Air Force always stands ready to protect America and its assets." Funny Area 51 Memes and Jokes: While 809K People Sign Up for ‘Storming’ Area 51, Hilarious Jokes Take Over Social Media.

Area 51 has been an intriguing place and said to be a secret hideout of aliens. Reportedly, there have been numerous spottings of UFOs etc. But it is also an aircraft-testing facility of the US forces. But trespassing into this area or taking photos is prohibited. Unless you want to be fined heftily or face jail time, one shouldn't even dare to venture there.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2019 09:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).