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The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of horrific war crimes including targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, prompted by an report which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the UAE. The US authorities said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who the Treasury stated oversaw a company accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated said to have conducted financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "major" development, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, the Colombian government recently passed a statute approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.