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The Washington has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of hiring South American contractors to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction implicated in severe violations encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light last year, after an investigation which revealed that over three hundred former soldiers had been contracted to engage in combat – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted money transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing funding and arms to the combatants," the agency said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "major" milestone, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

She added that, the Colombian government ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in international fights and change domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.