Information released by the Ministry of Defence indicates that three of those detained are minors, aged 15, 16, and 17, while the fourth suspect is a 22-year-old adult.

The involvement of three juveniles has drawn additional attention to the case, as authorities continue investigating how the minors became involved in the incident.

A formal investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate legal and disciplinary measures.

In a statement, the ministry said all those connected to the incident have been apprehended and that a formal investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.

Authorities said the outcome of the investigation will determine the appropriate legal and disciplinary measures against those responsible.

“The Ministry of Defence makes clear that no act undermining the honour and reputation of the National Armed Forces will be tolerated,” the statement said.

The incident drew widespread attention after footage showed individuals wearing Somali military uniforms desecrating the U.S. flag, prompting condemnation from both the Somali government and the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu.

The embassy welcomed the Federal Government’s swift response, saying the actions of those involved did not reflect the strong partnership between Somalia and the United States, particularly in the joint fight against Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.

The Somali government has also reaffirmed that the conduct of the suspects does not represent the values or official position of the Somali National Armed Forces.

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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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The video, which circulated widely online, showed individuals wearing Somali National Army uniforms stepping on and disrespecting the American flag, prompting public criticism and concern over its potential diplomatic implications.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the actions of those involved, stressing that their behavior was entirely inconsistent with the discipline, professionalism, and values expected of members of the Somali armed forces.

“The conduct displayed in the video is unacceptable and does not represent the values, discipline, or official position of the Somali National Army or the Federal Government of Somalia,” the ministry said.

The ministry confirmed that the soldiers seen in the footage have been taken into custody and that a formal investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials said appropriate legal and disciplinary measures will be taken against those found responsible.

The government also sought to reassure international partners that the incident does not reflect Somalia’s official policy or its relationship with the United States.

“These actions were carried out by individuals acting on their own and do not represent the Federal Government of Somalia or the Ministry of Defence. Somalia remains committed to its longstanding partnership with the United States,” the statement added.

The United States is one of Somalia’s closest security partners, providing military training, intelligence support, and counterterrorism assistance to Somali forces in operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS.

Officials said the government remains committed to preserving that partnership while enforcing accountability and professionalism within the Somali National Army.

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