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The US government has levied restrictions on a group of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group implicated in terrible atrocities encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered the previous year, following an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to fight – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved remarked that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The government alleged he played a central role in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of wire transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury stated.

Reaction

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, called the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a statute ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.