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The US government has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Revealing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the scheme was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, following an inquiry which revealed that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to fight – an event that prompted an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have allegedly instructed minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer located in the Dubai. The Treasury accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm accused of managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of money transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

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

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "very significant" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, the Colombian government recently passed a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.