United States Enforces Restrictions on Group Accused of Channeling South American Mercenaries to the Sudanese Conflict.

The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group implicated in terrible atrocities including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, after an inquiry which found that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret 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 resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a pivotal function in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business implicated in processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "major" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Colombia recently passed a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.