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The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of several persons and entities accused of recruiting South American contractors to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which found that over three hundred retired troops had been hired to fight – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer located in the UAE. The Treasury said he had a key part in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency announced.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" development, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, the Colombian government has enacted a piece of legislation endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The UAE has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.