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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

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

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of severe violations including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an event that led to an rare mea culpa from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from years of internal conflict, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say ran a firm implicated in managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States connected to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the agency announced.

Expert Analysis

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "major" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.