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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities charged of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, following an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, training on Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement noted.

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

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to cease providing funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, described the actions as a "very significant" step, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Colombia has enacted a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and based out of the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.