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The US government has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of hiring South American contractors to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group accused of horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries first came to light the previous year, after an inquiry which found that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an discovery that prompted an unprecedented apology from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the Dubai. The government accused him a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be sanctioned, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the actions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.