U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter confirmed that conspiracy theories that the federal government is planning to take over Texas through the military's largest training exercise are false.

Speculation emerged that the Pentagon is planning an armed federal takeover of the Lone Star state once a two-month U.S. military exercise, named Jade Helm 15, is launched in seven southwestern states, reports Time.

Jade Helm 15, which is the largest military training exercise ever undertaken by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, ignited fears in some Texans when military maps were found to show Texas as "hostile" territory. As a result, some people assumed that the exercise would bring about martial law and a federal occupation by the military.

However, Carter told reporters on Thursday that the military's large-scale exercise this summer is just an exercise -- not a takeover.

"No," Carter said when asked whether a takeover was imminent, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"We're very open and up front about our training activities in the United States, and I should say that we're very grateful for the support of communities around the United States," said Carter, adding that Pentagon officials had notified the state government of the relevant details.

Gov. Greg Abbott also weighed in on the controversy, requesting that the Texas State Guard monitor the exercise.

"It's pretty sad and bad when major military ops are ordered in a large, fiery state like Texas and not even the governor or its senators know the specifics," said actor Chuck Norris.

On the other hand, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry defended the military, saying from Dallas, "I think it's OK to question your government -- I do it on a pretty regular basis.

"The military's something else."