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The US government has imposed sanctions on a group of four individuals and four companies charged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light the previous year, following an report which revealed that more than 300 retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an revelation 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 extensive battlefield experience acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to halt the flow of financial and military support to the combatants," the Treasury stated.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "major" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

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

"This is a shadow economy and based out of Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.