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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a operation of several persons and entities accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Revealing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an event 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 vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, US-based firms linked to Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges external actors to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a law endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.