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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of four individuals and four companies charged of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Revealing the restrictions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the network was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a group accused of horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered the previous year, following an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer located in the UAE. The US authorities said he had a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the department said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

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

It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a piece of legislation endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in overseas wars and reshape national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.