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The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities accused of hiring Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the UAE. The government said he had a central role 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 accused of processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, amounting to millions," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the Treasury announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Colombia recently passed a piece of legislation endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.