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The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was mostly comprised of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, following an inquiry which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been contracted to fight – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and engaged in frontline combat. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those penalized was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer based in the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated oversaw a company accused of handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated accused of money transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury announced.

Reaction

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "major" milestone, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.