Washington praises Mogadishu for detaining suspects and launching an investigation, reaffirming the two nations’ longstanding security partnership.
ASAL POST | INTERNATIONAL | July 15, 2026
MOGADISHU – The United States has commended the Federal Government of Somalia for its swift response after individuals believed to be members of the Somali Security Forces were filmed desecrating the American flag, describing the government’s actions as an important step in safeguarding the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Somalia, Washington welcomed the Somali government’s decision to detain the suspects and launch an investigation immediately after footage of the incident circulated on social media.
The Embassy emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable, noting that the actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to undermine decades of cooperation between the United States and Somalia.
“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.
It added that those responsible should face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
“Malfeasant actors who seek to tarnish Somalia’s relationship with the United States harm the Somali people and must continue to be held accountable.”
Longstanding Partnership
The Embassy reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Somalia, highlighting the extensive support the United States has provided over the years in the fight against terrorism and the country’s broader state-building efforts.
“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 organisations which threaten the United States and, most directly, target the Somali people,” the statement said.
The United States remains one of Somalia’s principal international partners, providing military assistance, humanitarian aid and institutional support aimed at strengthening security, governance and economic resilience.
Somalia Distances Itself from the Incident
In a separate statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence condemned the incident and stressed that the actions captured in the viral video do not represent the values of the Federal Government of Somalia or the Somali National Army (SNA).
The ministry confirmed that the individuals involved had been detained and that investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
“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 ministry said.
Officials described the conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the professionalism expected of members of Somalia’s security forces.
Commitment to Security Cooperation
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to preserving its strategic partnership with the United States, describing the relationship as vital in the country’s ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab and Islamic State (ISIS) militants.
“Our cooperation has been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS and in strengthening Somalia’s security institutions,” the ministry said.
The ministry also reiterated its respect for the people and the flag of the United States, emphasizing that Somalia values the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The incident comes at a time when Somalia and the United States continue to work closely on counterterrorism operations, security sector reforms and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving stability across the Horn of Africa.
While the flag desecration sparked widespread attention online, both governments have sought to underscore that the actions of the individuals involved do not reflect the broader relationship between Washington and Mogadishu, which remains anchored in shared security interests and mutual cooperation.
