Monday July 13, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali security forces have detained four people after a video surfaced showing individuals in Somali military uniforms desecrating the American flag, the Ministry of Defense said Sunday.
The ministry named the suspects as Abdikadar Mahad Omar Osoble, 22, Mohamed Raage Hussein Mohamed, 16, Muudey Faysal Muudey Aways, 17, and Mohamed Amiin Qaasim Muse, 15.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said the act does not reflect the values, ethics or discipline of the Somali National Armed Forces, stressing that conduct that damages the military’s reputation or Somalia’s relations with partner countries will not be tolerated.
The ministry said investigations are continuing to establish the facts of the case and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu welcomed the Somali government’s swift response, saying it appreciated the authorities’ prompt action following the circulation of a video showing individuals in Somali security force uniforms desecrating the American flag.
“Anti-American acts harm our bilateral relationship,” the embassy said in a statement posted on X. “The United States has provided billions of taxpayer dollars in assistance to Somalia. Most notably, the good faith of the American people has long supported military action against terrorist organizations that threaten the United States and, most directly, target the Somali people.”
The embassy added that individuals seeking to undermine the longstanding relationship between Somalia and the United States should be held accountable.
Somali authorities have not yet announced when the suspects will appear in court or what formal charges they may face, saying investigations remain ongoing.
The United States has been one of Somalia’s largest international partners, providing more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance since 2006, according to the U.S. Department of State. Washington has also supported Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts through military assistance, training, intelligence cooperation and coordinated airstrikes conducted by U.S. Africa Command in support of the Federal Government of Somalia.
