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The Washington has levied restrictions on a group of four individuals and four companies charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of horrific war crimes including ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an inquiry which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from decades of civil war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer based in the UAE. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business implicated in managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

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

"The US once more urges external actors to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the department stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "very significant" step, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government has enacted a statute ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.