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The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of four people and four firms alleged of recruiting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, prompted by an report which found that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have allegedly instructed minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated said to have conducted wire transfers associated with Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges external actors to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the Treasury stated.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a statute ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.