🔗 Share this article United States Enforces Restrictions on Operation Accused of Channeling South American Contractors to the Sudanese Conflict. The Washington has imposed sanctions on a operation of four individuals and four companies charged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide. Group Makeup Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia. Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force implicated in terrible atrocities including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings. Emergence of Involvement The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that led to an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government. Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and high-level combat training. Reported Actions In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have been accused of teaching minors, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved previously stated that training children was "terrible and insane" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Targeted Persons Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a central role in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well. Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release noted. Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his companies. "The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of funding and arms to the combatants," the agency said in a statement. Expert Analysis A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go". She added that, Bogotá recently passed a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and change national security policy. Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade". "It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The UAE has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.