MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has arrested several individuals accused of appearing in a video wearing Somali military uniforms and stepping on the United States flag.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said the suspects had been identified and taken into custody after the video circulated widely on social media. The ministry also released their names and confirmed that the relevant authorities had launched an investigation into the incident.

The United States Embassy in Mogadishu welcomed the Somali Government’s swift response and called for all those involved to be held accountable.

“The U.S. Embassy appreciates the swift response of the Federal Government of Somalia and the decisive actions taken following the circulation of a video showing individuals disrespecting the American flag,” the embassy said.

The embassy warned that such actions could undermine the longstanding relationship between Somalia and the United States. It noted that Washington has provided Somalia with billions of dollars in humanitarian, security and development assistance over the years.

The United States has also supported Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, strengthened national security institutions and contributed to efforts aimed at promoting stability.

The embassy said individuals seeking to damage relations between the two countries were acting against the interests of the Somali people and stressed the importance of protecting the strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Washington.