Saturday July 11, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali officials have detained personnel seen in Somali National Army uniforms in footage showing them stepping on a U.S. flag, the Ministry of Defence announced Friday, and have opened an inquiry into the incident.
In its statement, the ministry said the individuals are in custody while investigators work to establish the full facts and determine whether disciplinary measures or legal charges are warranted.
“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 described the behavior captured in the clip as at odds with the values, discipline and professionalism expected 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.
Somalia’s defence ministry also highlighted the country’s long-standing security partnership with the United States, saying cooperation between the two nations has been crucial in countering al-Shabab and ISIS and in building 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.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Washington has provided more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Somalia since 2006, much of it aimed at relief for drought, famine and population displacement.
U.S. support has also included military aid, training, counterterrorism cooperation and airstrikes by U.S. Africa Command coordinated with Somalia’s federal government to target militant groups.
