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The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered the previous year, prompted by an report which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

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

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer operating from the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities accused him a pivotal function in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have financial transactions linked to Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the combatants," the agency announced.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "highly important" step, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a law approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.