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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of horrific war crimes encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light the previous year, following an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to engage in combat – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved previously stated that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer operating from the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated managed a business implicated in processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá recently passed a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.