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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of horrific war crimes including ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which found that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to participate in the war – an revelation that resulted in an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary remarked that training children was "terrible and insane" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged managed a business implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have wire transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to stop giving financial and military support to the combatants," the Treasury announced.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "very significant" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Colombia has enacted a piece of legislation approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.