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The US government has imposed sanctions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group accused of severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which revealed that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to fight – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved previously stated that training children was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The government alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business linked to processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "Recently, US-based firms associated with Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia recently passed a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change national security policy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.