United States Enforces Restrictions on Network Alleged of Recruiting South American Fighters to the Sudanese Conflict.

The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of four people and four firms accused of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of horrific war crimes including targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, prompted by an inquiry which found that hundreds of retired troops had been contracted to fight – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, training on Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the mercenaries have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function 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 managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to halt the flow of financial and military support to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "highly important" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

She added that, the Colombian government has enacted a piece of legislation ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and change national security policy.

A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and based out of the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.