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The Washington has enforced penalties on a operation of four people and four firms alleged of recruiting South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have reportedly trained minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The Treasury said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business linked to processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges external actors to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "highly important" step, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.