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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms accused of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on this week, 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 the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction accused of terrible atrocities including targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the UAE. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged ran a firm accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed said to have conducted money transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "highly important" development, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government recently passed a statute approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.