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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Announcing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of horrific war crimes including ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that prompted an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the official announcement said.

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

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the belligerents," the department stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit its citizens' long history in international fights and transform its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.