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The US government has imposed sanctions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of recruiting South American contractors to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a force linked to terrible atrocities including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered the previous year, following an inquiry which found that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to fight – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have reportedly trained child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The government alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm accused of processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, called the measures as a "very significant" development, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape its security approach.

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

"This is a shadow economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.