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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Revealing the restrictions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to terrible atrocities including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, following an report which disclosed that over three hundred former soldiers had been recruited to engage in combat – an event that led to an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience gleaned from decades of civil war, familiarity with Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm linked to processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to halt the flow of funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury announced.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the actions as a "major" development, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government recently passed a piece of legislation endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.