United States Enforces Restrictions on Operation Accused of Recruiting Colombian Fighters to Sudan.

The United States has imposed sanctions on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Revealing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a group accused of severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, after an inquiry which found that hundreds of retired troops had been contracted to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The government alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "highly important" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government has enacted a piece of legislation endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and transform national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.