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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

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

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction implicated in horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered last year, prompted by an report which disclosed that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to engage in combat – an revelation that led to an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from a long-running domestic war, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who officials alleged managed a business accused of processing money and salaries for the network. "Over the past two years, US-based firms connected to Duque conducted several money transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on external actors to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the department stated.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the measures as a "very significant" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and reshape national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and based out of the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.