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The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of four individuals and four companies charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Revealing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in terrible atrocities including massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an investigation which revealed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The government said he had a pivotal function in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

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

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia recently passed a piece of legislation endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in international fights and change national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.