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The Washington has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms alleged of recruiting South American contractors to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force implicated in severe violations encompassing ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that hundreds of former soldiers had been hired to engage in combat – an revelation that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a key part in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged oversaw a company implicated in managing finances and payments for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have wire transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to stop giving monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "very significant" development, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá has enacted a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.