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An analysis of the material has not been completed, the FBI
Tampa said in a statement posted on social media Wednesday
afternoon. The FBI said the investigation is continuing and
provided no further details.
Energetic materials store a large amount of chemical energy, and
can include explosive materials, fuel or propellants. The FBI
did not respond to an email seeking clarification on what type
of material was in the package found Monday outside the MacDill
Air Force Base Visitor Center.
Earlier Wednesday, the base went on a shelter-in-place order
after a threat was received.
“We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate
measures to prioritize the safety and security of our
installation. As a matter of policy, we will not release
specifics on what security measures have been implemented,”
MacDill officials said in a statement posted on social media.
The order was lifted about two hours later, but the base remains
on high alert, officials said.
On Tuesday, the base began operating under Force Protection
Charlie, referred to as “FPCON CHARLIE.” This is the
second-highest military security level, and allows officials to
“implement deliberate security measures proactively.”
The advisory said that all personnel at the base “should remain
vigilant, follow the direction of security forces, and report
any suspicious activity immediately.”
The U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, which is located at
MacDill, is responsible for U.S. military operations in the
Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.
MacDill is one of the U.S. bases that has been on heightened
alert since the war in Iran began.
Last week, all six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft
died in a crash while supporting operations against Iran. Three
of the crew members were connected to the 6th Air Refueling Wing
at MacDill, officials said.
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