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The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of four people and four firms accused of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a force implicated in severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, prompted by an inquiry which found that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to engage in combat – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury announced.

Reaction

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "major" development, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, Bogotá recently passed a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.