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The US government has imposed sanctions on a operation of four people and four firms accused of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force accused of severe violations encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, after an investigation which found that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be targeted, with the company she managed alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to halt the flow of financial and military support to the combatants," the Treasury announced.

Expert Analysis

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.