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The United States has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies charged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force accused of severe violations encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, following an report which found that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The Treasury accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement stated.

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.

"The US once more urges outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the department announced.

Expert Analysis

An expert, from a conflict think tank, called the measures as a "highly important" development, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government has enacted a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and change its security approach.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.