Washington Levies Restrictions on Network Accused of Funneling South American Mercenaries to the Sudanese Conflict.

The US government has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the scheme was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group linked to terrible atrocities such as targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered the previous year, following an inquiry which disclosed that over three hundred former soldiers had been recruited to engage in combat – an discovery that led to an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have reportedly trained minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer operating from the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to halt the flow of financial and military support to the combatants," the agency stated.

Analyst Commentary

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, described the measures as a "major" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a statute endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.