IED plot at Florida base reportedly tied to Iran war; one suspect in China

A possible IED was discovered outside the visitor center at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on March 16, 2026.

MacDill serves as headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which is directing Operation Epic Fury against Iran, and U.S. Special Operations Command, which oversees all American special forces worldwide.

The FBI has indicted brother and sister Alen Zheng and Ann Mary Zheng for the attack. Alen Zheng, believed to have planted the device, remains in China. He faces charges of attempted damage to government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

Ann Mary Zheng was arrested in Tampa. She is charged as an accessory after the fact and with tampering with evidence by hiding or damaging a 2010 Mercedes-Benz to obstruct the investigation.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated the indictments resulted from “tremendous investigative work” and coordination across federal, state, and local partners.

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

The indictments were unsealed Thursday morning. A news conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.