Somalia detains uniformed men filmed stepping on U.S. flag

Saturday July 11, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali authorities have detained individuals wearing Somali National Army uniforms after they were filmed stepping on a U.S. flag, the Ministry of Defence said Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the individuals had been taken into custody and that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances of the incident and possible disciplinary or legal action.

“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 statement said.

The ministry said the conduct shown in the video was inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army.

“Such behaviour is inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army and does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defence or the Federal Government of Somalia,” it said.

The ministry emphasized that Somalia values its longstanding security partnership with the United States, saying cooperation between the two countries has been important in the fight against al-Shabab and ISIS and in strengthening Somalia’s security institutions.

“The Ministry of Defence reaffirms its respect for the people and flag of the United States and for the enduring partnership between our two nations,” the statement said.

The United States has provided more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Somalia since 2006, according to the U.S. Department of State, with much of the support aimed at responding to drought, famine and displacement.

Washington has also supported Somalia’s fight against militant groups through military assistance, training, counterterrorism cooperation and U.S. Africa Command airstrikes carried out in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.