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The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to terrible atrocities such as massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 former soldiers had been recruited to fight – an revelation that led to an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The government said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the government release noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges outside forces to halt the flow of funding and arms to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "major" development, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá recently passed a statute endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.