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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 support and educate a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an event that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience gleaned from decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury said he had a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States connected to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the Treasury stated.

Expert Analysis

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "major" development, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia ratified a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and change its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.