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The Washington has enforced penalties on a operation of four people and four firms accused of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force implicated in severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, following an report which revealed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source remarked that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed said to have conducted wire transfers associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on external actors to stop giving funding and arms to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Expert Analysis

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "major" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and transform its security approach.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.