United States Enforces Restrictions on Operation Alleged of Channeling South American Fighters to Sudan.

The Washington has imposed sanctions on a group of four people and four firms alleged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Announcing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the network was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged the previous year, after an investigation which found that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer located in the UAE. The US authorities accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company linked to managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the government release stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.