🔗 Share this article US Imposes Penalties on Group Accused of Funneling Colombian Mercenaries to the Sudanese Conflict. The Washington has levied restrictions on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts. Network Composition Revealing the sanctions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies. Scores of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions. Revelation of Role The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an report which found that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry. Colombian ex-soldiers 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 advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction. Activities in Sudan In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way". Targeted Persons Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the UAE. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned. Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say oversaw a company accused of processing money and salaries for the scheme. "Recently, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release noted. Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed alleged to have financial transactions connected to Duque and his companies. "The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the warring parties," the department said in a statement. Expert Analysis A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" development, saying that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach". She added that, Colombia has enacted a piece of legislation approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach. Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing rampant mercenarism". "It’s an illicit economy and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.