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The United States has levied restrictions on a group of four people and four firms accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a group accused of horrific war crimes encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, following an inquiry which found that over three hundred former soldiers had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The government alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque carried out several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges external actors to halt the flow of funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, from a conflict think tank, called the actions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a statute ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.