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The United States has imposed sanctions on a operation of several persons and entities accused of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force linked to severe violations such as massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light the previous year, after an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an event that led to an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved remarked that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer located in the UAE. The US authorities said he had a key part in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say ran a firm accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted money transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving financial and military support to the combatants," the department announced.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "very significant" step, stating that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Colombia ratified a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and change domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.