United States Enforces Restrictions on Operation Alleged of Channeling Colombian Mercenaries to Sudan.

The Washington has levied restrictions on a group of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction implicated in severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been hired to engage in combat – an discovery that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have allegedly instructed child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged managed a business implicated in handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury stated.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "highly important" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government recently passed a statute approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and based out of the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.