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The US government has enforced penalties on a group of four individuals and four companies accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force accused of horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, after an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a pivotal function in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who the Treasury stated oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions connected to Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the department stated.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Colombia recently passed a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.