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Florida Siblings Indicted in Alleged Plot to Attack Military Base

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, March 26th 2026 at 14:45 GMT by Fox News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Melbourne, Florida - March 26th, 2026 - A brother and sister have been indicted on federal charges related to an alleged plot to attack a U.S. military installation in Florida using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The case, which authorities believe has direct links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, has sparked a nationwide security alert and an international manhunt for one of the suspects currently believed to be in China.

Daniel Elysa Abednego, 32, was arrested last week in Melbourne, Florida, and remains in custody. His sister, Diamond Abednego, 23, is currently the subject of an Interpol Red Notice and is believed to be residing in China. Both siblings face charges including conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The indictment details a concerning level of planning and communication allegedly undertaken by the pair over several months.

Federal agents executed search warrants at the Abednego's residence, uncovering what officials describe as substantial evidence supporting the allegations. This evidence includes communications logs, detailed reconnaissance photographs of the targeted military base - identified as Patrick Space Force Base, a critical facility for the United States Space Force and Air Force - and materials potentially used in the construction of an IED.

According to the indictment, Daniel Abednego engaged in prolonged digital communication with individuals he believed to be operatives of the IRGC. These communications reportedly detailed his intent to carry out an attack on U.S. soil and specifically requested guidance on IED construction. Authorities allege he falsely believed the IRGC would not only provide the necessary weapon but also financial backing for the operation. The extent to which the IRGC was genuinely involved, or if Daniel Abednego was communicating with an intelligence asset or a disinformation campaign, remains a central focus of the ongoing investigation.

Diamond Abednego's alleged role appears to have been primarily logistical. The indictment states she actively assisted her brother by procuring materials necessary for the potential IED and, crucially, conducted physical surveillance of Patrick Space Force Base. Investigators believe this surveillance was intended to identify vulnerabilities and refine the attack plan. Her current location in China is proving a significant obstacle to law enforcement, requiring extensive cooperation with Chinese authorities - a process complicated by existing geopolitical tensions.

"This case underscores the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored terrorism and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by extremist groups," stated Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Neumann of the FBI's Jacksonville Division. "The alleged willingness of these individuals to target American military personnel and facilities is deeply troubling, and we are committed to pursuing every lead to ensure the safety and security of our nation."

The investigation is expanding to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and identify any potential co-conspirators. Federal authorities are also investigating the source of the siblings' alleged radicalization and any connections to known extremist networks. Analysts suggest this incident could mark a shift in Iranian tactics, potentially moving from indirect support of militant groups to more direct attempts at orchestrating attacks on U.S. soil.

Experts in counter-terrorism are noting the unusual element of a brother-sister team allegedly involved in such a plot. Dr. Evelyn Reed, a professor of political science specializing in radicalization, commented, "While sibling involvement isn't unheard of, it's relatively rare in this type of scenario. It suggests a deeply ingrained ideological commitment or a unique dynamic within the family unit that fueled their alleged actions."

The investigation continues to unravel the details surrounding this concerning case. The FBI is urging anyone with information related to the Abednegos or the alleged plot to contact their local field office immediately. The pursuit of Diamond Abednego in China is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, demanding delicate diplomatic negotiations and international collaboration.