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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities accused of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a group implicated in horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer located in the UAE. The government accused him a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the government release stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury stated.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, called the sanctions as a "highly important" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a statute approving the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.