In a statement, the embassy said the United States has invested billions of dollars in assistance to Somalia over the years, particularly in supporting security operations against terrorist groups that threaten both countries.

“Anti-American acts harm our bilateral relationship. 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 which threaten the United States and, most directly, target the Somali people,” the embassy said.

The embassy welcomed the Federal Government of Somalia’s swift response after the video emerged, praising authorities for taking decisive action against those involved.

“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 statement added.

The embassy also stressed that individuals seeking to damage relations between Mogadishu and Washington must be held accountable.

“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 statement said.

The remarks came after Somalia’s Ministry of Defence announced that the soldiers seen in the video had been detained and placed under investigation, reaffirming that their actions did not reflect the values of the Somali National Army or the official position of the Federal Government.

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