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The US government has imposed sanctions on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the Treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to terrible atrocities including targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, after an investigation which found that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

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 pivotal function in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents," the agency said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" milestone, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, the Colombian government recently passed a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.