United States Enforces Restrictions on Network Alleged of Funneling Colombian Contractors to Sudan.

The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

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

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of severe violations including massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light last year, prompted by an investigation which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from decades of civil war, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have reportedly trained child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a central role in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated managed a business linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the official announcement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on external actors to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, described the actions as a "very significant" development, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government has enacted a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.