India, Feb. 12 -- A 2.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Las Vegas on Monday, just miles from the highly secretive US Air Force base known as Area 51.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor was centred 32 miles southeast of Beatty, a small town about 60 miles from the mysterious military installation.

Area 51 has long been the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories, with many linking it to UFO activity, alien encounters, and covert experimental aircraft testing. However, officials say it was a routine seismic event.

The tremor was recorded at 2:11 a.m. PST on Monday. While earthquakes above 2.5 in magnitude can sometimes be felt and cause minor damage, there have been no reports of injuries or destr...