United States Enforces Restrictions on Group Accused of Funneling South American Fighters to Sudan.

The Washington has levied restrictions on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group implicated in severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged the previous year, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that prompted an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the UAE. The Treasury said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say ran a firm implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his operations.

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

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá recently passed a statute endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and transform its security approach.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.