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FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Thursday that there have been two indictments related to an alleged IED plot related to Florida’s MacDill Air Force Base, the headquarters for the U.S. Central Command.
This alarming news comes as the United States is locked in a violent conflict with the Iranian regime amid Operation Epic Fury.
“An IED was placed at MacDill Air Force Base – home to CENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command,” said Director Patel in a statement posted to X.
He continued, “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 in China.”
According to Fox News, siblings Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng have both been indicted for their alleged involvement with placing a possible IED on the base. Alen Zheng is the sibling currently in China, as the FBI director mentioned.
“This FBI, working with our partners, will continue pursuing all those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice, no matter where they are,” Patel stated.
MacDill Air Force Base is home to not only the U.S. Central Command, but also the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). It is a key location for the U.S. military and its operations, particularly amid this time of combat against the Iranian regime.
FBI Tampa had stated on March 16 that a “suspicious package” had been reported at the MacDill AFB Visitors Center near an entry gate, triggering a bomb tech response.
Two days later, the agency posted, “Field screening was conducted on the contents of the package and identified possible energetic materials. Final lab analysis is not yet complete. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details can be shared at this time.”
According to Fox, Alen Zheng is suspected of possibly planting the alleged IED, and his sister, Ann Mary, is accused of “accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence.”