Washington Levies Restrictions on Network Alleged of Recruiting South American Mercenaries to the Sudanese Conflict.

The US government has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, after an inquiry which revealed that over three hundred retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that resulted in an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the contractors have allegedly instructed minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a pivotal function in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have financial transactions connected to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "major" step, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Colombia recently passed a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.