US Imposes Sanctions on Group Accused of Funneling South American Mercenaries to Sudan.

The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of several persons and entities accused of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, after an report which revealed that more than 300 retired troops had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that prompted an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, training on advanced weaponry, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The government accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "Recently, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, worth millions," the government release noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the belligerents," the department said in a statement.

Reaction

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the measures as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a statute ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The UAE has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.