🔗 Share this article US Imposes Sanctions on Operation Accused of Channeling Colombian Fighters to Sudan. The Washington has levied restrictions on a group of several persons and entities alleged of hiring South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide. Group Makeup Announcing the restrictions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies. Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions. Discovery of Participation The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered last year, prompted by an inquiry which found that hundreds of former soldiers had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that prompted an rare mea culpa from officials in Bogotá. Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Western military gear, and superior tactical education. Reported Actions In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Targeted Persons Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted. Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged ran a firm accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted. Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of wire transfers linked to Duque and his companies. "The US once more urges external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the department announced. Reaction An expert, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "major" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach". She added that, Bogotá recently passed a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape domestic defense strategy. Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating the growing mercenary trade". "It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.