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The Washington has enforced penalties on a operation of four people and four firms alleged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a group linked to severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, prompted by an report which found that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, training on advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved previously stated that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the Dubai. The government accused him a central role in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

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 operations.

"The US once more urges outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the belligerents," the agency said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "very significant" development, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Colombia ratified a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.