The US Defence Visual Information Distribution Service has apologised on its Twitter account over a now-deleted tweet threatening alien enthusiasts who had gathered near the notorious Area 51 this weekend.
The divisive tweet contained a picture of military personnel standing in front of a B-2 stealth bomber with the caption "the last thing #Millennials will see if they attempt the #area51raid today".
The unit, responsible for US military PR, said that it was a mistake that did not reflect its stance.
Last night a DVIDSHUB employee posted a Tweet that in NO WAY supports the stance of the Department of Defense. It was inappropriate and we apologize for this mistake.
— DVIDSHub (@DVIDSHub) September 21, 2019
In spite of the apology, many social media users were unhappy with the unit's 'mistake', expressing hope that the DVIDS fired the person who posted the tweet.
Were they fired for threatening American citizens, peacefully gathering, with military action?
— Lizerenity (@Lizerenity) September 21, 2019
Cuz that is exactly what they did.
Surely you meant a former DVIDSHUB employee right?
— MaybeDavey (@DannaDave) September 21, 2019
Others took aim at the 'blood-thirsty' US military itself.
They weren't Afghan farmers so there is no need to bomb them
— Rei Fukai 🇮🇪 (@TinfoilHoodie) September 22, 2019
It just shows how blood thirsty the US is , they will kill for fun.
— Banjugu seisay (@Obanjay19) September 22, 2019
However, some users found the original tweet amusing.
It was entirely appropriate and hilarious. The person who thinks otherwise should be shit canned.
— Ambiturner (@DerelictMy) September 21, 2019
Wow, a bit hypersensitive. I just liked the tweet, a bit of humour. 😂
— Jos van wijk (@jaydee20101) September 22, 2019
Area 51 plays a pivotal role in many UFO and other conspiracy theories. Some people believe that the facility stores the fragments of an alien spacecraft that allegedly crashed at Roswell in 1947. The US government officially recognised the existence of the base only in 2013. Authorities have warned that any attempts to raid the military installation would not be tolerated.
