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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of hiring Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the scheme was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of terrible atrocities such as targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light last year, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been recruited to engage in combat – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges external actors to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury stated.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "very significant" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government recently passed a piece of legislation ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and transform national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.