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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force implicated in severe violations encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an report which found that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to engage in combat – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the UAE. The government accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, amounting to millions," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges external actors to halt the flow of financial and military support to the combatants," the agency announced.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "very significant" development, stating that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, Colombia recently passed a piece of legislation endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change its security approach.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.