The U.S. Embassy has welcomed Somalia’s swift arrest of individuals seen trampling the American flag in a viral video, while Somalia’s Defence Ministry confirms all suspects have been detained and warns that attacks on the military’s reputation will not be tolerated.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia’s Ministry of Defence has announced the detention of individuals wearing Somali National Army uniforms after a viral video showed them stepping on the flag of the United States, describing the act as unacceptable and inconsistent with the values and professionalism of the country’s armed forces.
The ministry said the incident, which spread widely across social media on Friday, does not reflect the position of either the Somali National Army or the Federal Government of Somalia.The United States has welcomed Somalia’s swift response after the incident, while Somalia’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that all individuals involved have now been arrested.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the video and establish whether disciplinary or legal action should follow.
“The Ministry of Defence has taken note of a video circulating on social media showing individuals wearing Somali military uniforms engaging in unacceptable conduct involving the flag of the United States,” the ministry said in an official statement.
According to the statement, the behaviour violates the discipline, ethics and professional standards expected of Somali soldiers and should not be interpreted as representing Somalia’s official policy or its relationship with the United States.
The ministry confirmed that those involved have already been detained pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The individuals concerned have been detained, and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate disciplinary and legal action,” the statement added.
U.S. Embassy welcomes Somalia’s response
In a statement issued after the incident, the U.S. Embassy in Somalia welcomed the Federal Government’s swift action, describing the arrests as an important step in protecting the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
“The U.S. Embassy appreciates the Federal Government of Somalia’s quick response and decisive actions following a video of individuals in the Somali Security Forces desecrating the American flag,” the embassy said.
The embassy noted that the United States has invested billions of dollars in Somalia over the years, including military assistance, humanitarian aid and support for operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
“Malfeasant actors who seek to tarnish Somalia’s relationship with the United States harm the Somali people and must continue to be held accountable,” the statement added.
Defence Ministry: All suspects now arrested
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In a follow-up statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that all individuals involved in the incident have now been taken into custody.
“All individuals involved in the act that violated the dignity of the Somali National Army uniform and the flag of the United States have been arrested,” the ministry said.
The ministry also warned that it would not tolerate any actions that undermine the honour or professionalism of Somalia’s armed forces.
“The Ministry of Defence warns that no act harming the honour and reputation of the Somali National Army will be tolerated.”
The government moved quickly to reassure Washington that the incident would not affect bilateral relations.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that Somalia highly values its longstanding security partnership with the United States, describing American support as critical to Somalia’s efforts to combat militant groups and strengthen national security institutions.
“Our cooperation has been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS and in strengthening Somalia’s security institutions,” the ministry said.
Officials also reaffirmed their respect for the American people and the U.S. national flag, stressing that Somalia remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic and security cooperation with Washington.
The United States has been one of Somalia’s closest international security partners for more than two decades. American assistance has included military training, intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism operations, humanitarian aid and support for rebuilding Somalia’s security sector.
Through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Washington has also carried out numerous airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia in coordination with the Federal Government.
In addition to military cooperation, the United States has provided billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, supporting drought relief, food security, healthcare and displaced communities.
The ministry did not identify the detained individuals or explain where and when the video was recorded. It also remains unclear whether those seen in the footage were active-duty soldiers or individuals wearing military uniforms without authorization.
The investigation is expected to determine responsibility and whether additional action will be taken against those involved.
The incident comes as Somalia continues expanding military operations against Al-Shabaab while working closely with international partners to strengthen the capabilities of the Somali National Army and assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of Somali Report. She was the first woman to serve as an editor and media managing director in Somalia’s Puntland State. Previously, she worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media organizations in Somalia. She also serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Somalia Media Council, an independent body that regulates media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.
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