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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a operation of several persons and entities charged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of terrible atrocities including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged the previous year, after an investigation which revealed that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during years of internal conflict, familiarity with Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The government alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated said to have conducted financial transactions connected to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of funding and arms to the warring parties," the agency announced.

Reaction

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "major" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government recently passed a piece of legislation approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.