Are THEY messing with and attempting to manipulate critical thinking skills and perception? Perhaps, the more pertinent consideration may be this:
"Wag the Dog" is a strategy that creates a matrix of lies.
T.H.E.Y. are Professional Liars
This 1997 film portrays how 'spin' (lying) is used to direct people away from the truth.
In and of itself, 'spin' is criminal behavior that demands exposure followed by justice. Movies With A Message
The accusation of using artificial intelligence to simulate the attack represents a new development in the interactions between both governments, and raises a delicate debate regarding the authenticity of digital evidence in times of hybrid warfare. Maduro's regime denies the authenticity of the video showing an attack on a drug-laden boat: What do they say about the images?