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The Washington has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a faction accused of horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered last year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to fight – an revelation that led to an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the contractors have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The government accused him a pivotal function in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" development, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

She added that, the Colombian government recently passed a statute endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.