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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms charged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the contractors have reportedly trained child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The Treasury alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted money transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to cease providing funding and arms to the combatants," the department stated.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "major" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a statute approving the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and reshape national security policy.

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

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.