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The United States has imposed sanctions on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an report which found that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the contractors have reportedly trained child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary previously stated that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the scheme. "Recently, 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 other individual to be targeted, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the department announced.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Bogotá recently passed a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The UAE has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.