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The US government has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities accused of recruiting South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of terrible atrocities including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, following an report which found that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have been accused of teaching child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a central role in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms connected to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to stop giving financial and military support to the combatants," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Colombia has enacted a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.