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The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force linked to severe violations encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, following an inquiry which revealed that over three hundred retired troops had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the Dubai. The government said he had a key part in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, US-based firms linked to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

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

Expert Analysis

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" milestone, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government has enacted a statute endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.