Somalia Detains Four After Anti-U.S. Flag Video, Embassy Welcomes ‘Swift Action’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somali security agencies have arrested four young people accused of appearing in a viral video while wearing Somali National Army uniforms and desecrating the United States flag, prompting a response from the U.S. Embassy, which praised the government’s swift action.

The Federal Government of Somalia said the suspects were detained after a video circulated widely on social media showing individuals dressed in military uniforms behaving in a manner authorities described as disrespectful to the U.S. flag and damaging to the reputation, values and discipline of the Somali National Army.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the incident, saying anti-American acts undermine the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

“Anti-American acts harm our bilateral relationship,” the embassy said. It noted that the United States has provided billions of dollars in assistance to Somalia over the years, including support for military operations against terrorist groups that threaten both countries.

The embassy also welcomed the Somali government’s response, saying it appreciated the Federal Government of Somalia’s “quick response and decisive actions” following the circulation of the video.

“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 embassy added.

Somali authorities identified the suspects as 22-year-old Abdikhadar Mahad Omar Cosoble, 16-year-old Mohamed Rage Hussein Mohamed, 17-year-old Mudey Faysal Mudey Aweys, and 15-year-old Mohamed Amin Qasim Muse.

According to the government, formal investigations have begun into the four suspects to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the video was produced and shared online and whether others were involved in organizing it.

Security officials described the act as one that tarnishes the honor and image of Somalia’s armed forces, which they said symbolize the country’s sovereignty and national unity.

The incident comes as Somalia and the United States continue to cooperate closely on security, with Washington providing military assistance, training and air support to Somali forces in operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The investigation into the video remains ongoing.