Siblings Charged After IED Found at Air Force Base Housing Iran War Planners

Alen Zheng, 20, allegedly planted the explosive at MacDill Air Force Base, while his sister Ann Mary Zheng, 27, helped him evade authorities.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A pair of siblings are facing federal charges after an improvised explosive device (IED) was found at a Florida Air Force base that houses the military's Central Command, which is running the war in Iran. Alen Zheng, 20, allegedly planted the IED at the visitor's center at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa earlier this month, while his sister Ann Mary Zheng, 27, helped him evade law enforcement.

Why it matters

The MacDill Air Force Base is the headquarters of Central Command (CENTCOM), which is leading operations against Iran. The base also houses Special Operations Command, overseeing the U.S. top commando units. The alleged IED planting at such a sensitive military installation raises concerns about security and the potential threat to personnel involved in the Iran conflict.

The details

According to prosecutors, Alen Zheng planted the explosive on March 10 and later called 911 about it. Initial searches were unsuccessful, but the IED was later found on March 16 by an Air Force service member. Alen Zheng and his sister, both U.S. citizens, then sold the car he used to bring the IED to the base and fled the country to China days later. Alen Zheng faces charges of attempted damage of government property, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. His sister Ann Mary Zheng was charged with assisting after the fact and evidence tampering.

  • On March 10, Alen Zheng allegedly planted the IED at the visitor's center of MacDill Air Force Base.
  • On March 16, the IED was found by an Air Force service member in a secluded area on the base.
  • On March 17, Ann Mary Zheng returned to the U.S. and was taken into custody.

The players

Alen Zheng

A 20-year-old resident of Land O'Lakes, Florida, who allegedly planted the IED at MacDill Air Force Base.

Ann Mary Zheng

The 27-year-old sister of Alen Zheng, who allegedly helped her brother evade law enforcement after the IED incident.

Gregory Kehoe

The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Florida, who announced the federal charges against the siblings.

Central Command (CENTCOM)

The military's Central Command, which is leading operations against Iran and is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base.

Special Operations Command

The command that oversees the U.S. top commando units, and is also housed at MacDill Air Force Base.

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What they’re saying

“We are exploring every avenue we can to get him back to the United States.”

— Gregory Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Florida

“Why she came back is unknown.”

— Gregory Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Florida

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Alen Zheng to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious security concerns at military installations like MacDill Air Force Base, which houses critical commands overseeing the war in Iran. The alleged actions of the siblings raise questions about the potential threat to personnel and operations at such sensitive facilities.