JUST IN: Siblings Indicted For Planting Explosives At Key Military Base Linked To Iran War

Federal prosecutors have indicted a brother and sister in connection with the placement of a suspected explosive device at MacDill Air Force Base, a major U.S. military hub tied to the ongoing Iran war effort, Fox News Digital reported.

The FBI said Alen Zheng is accused of planting the device and is currently in China. He was indicted on charges of attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to the FBI.

His sister, Ann Mary Zheng, was arrested by FBI Tampa and charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence, authorities said.

Court documents allege she hid or damaged a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to prevent it from being used in legal proceedings.

“Today’s indictments are the result of tremendous investigative work from our FBI teams and great coordination from our state, local, and federal partners across the board,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

🚨 An IED was placed at MacDill Air Force Base – home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command.

A brother and sister have now been indicted. One is in custody for accessory and evidence tampering and the primary suspect is charged with explosives offenses and is currently… pic.twitter.com/am6YWbgZCt

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 26, 2026

“No one who targets our brave service members and military facilities will ever get away with it, and this FBI will pursue all those responsible for the incident at MacDill Air Force Base to the ends of the earth,” he added.

The indictments were unsealed Thursday morning. A news conference is expected later Thursday.

The case stems from a March 16 incident when FBI Tampa announced a suspicious package had been discovered outside the MacDill visitor center, prompting a heavy law enforcement response and traffic shutdowns near the base’s main entrance.

MacDill is a high-value target in any threat environment. The Tampa-area installation houses the headquarters of U.S. Central Command, which is directing Operation Epic Fury against Iran. It is also home to U.S. Special Operations Command, which oversees special operations forces across the Department of War.

RELATED: BREAKING: Red State Air Force Base Put On Lockdown Over ‘Threat’

Authorities have not publicly detailed the device’s composition or how it was found, but the charges outlined in the indictment signal investigators believe it involved explosive components and was intended to damage government property.

With one suspect overseas, the case now moves on two tracks: holding the sister in court in Florida and pursuing the alleged primary suspect abroad. The FBI has not said whether it is seeking extradition, but officials signaled the investigation is ongoing and active.

Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>