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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a operation of four people and four firms alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to combat beside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered the previous year, following an inquiry which found that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been hired to engage in combat – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. An individual involved previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the Dubai. The government accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated said to have conducted wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, called the measures as a "very significant" development, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in international fights and change national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.