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The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a group accused of severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, after an report which found that over three hundred retired troops had been contracted to fight – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from decades of civil war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The US authorities accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business linked to processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw accused of wire transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Colombia ratified a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and change national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.