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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to terrible atrocities including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that hundreds of retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have allegedly instructed minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary previously stated that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque conducted several money transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed alleged to have financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Reaction

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a statute ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The Emirati government has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.