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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of enlisting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force linked to horrific war crimes including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, following an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a central role in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, American entities linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the agency stated.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "very significant" step, stating that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in international fights and transform domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.