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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a group of several persons and entities accused of hiring former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Revealing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a force accused of severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, prompted by an investigation which found that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge gleaned from decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that training children was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the Dubai. The Treasury said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "Recently, American entities associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the government release stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the belligerents," the agency stated.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" step, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, the Colombian government has enacted a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit its citizens' long history in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.