🔗 Share this article Washington Levies Penalties on Network Alleged of Channeling Colombian Fighters to Sudan. The United States has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group which the US alleges of committing genocide. Operation Structure Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia. Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings. Emergence of Involvement The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an report which revealed that hundreds of retired troops had been recruited to engage in combat – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry. Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education. Role in the Conflict In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Targeted Persons Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The government accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned. Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement noted. Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations. "Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury announced. Expert Analysis Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, called the actions as a "highly important" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy". She added that, the Colombian government ratified a statute endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change national security policy. Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade". "It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.