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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms accused of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force linked to terrible atrocities encompassing targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say oversaw a company accused of processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "Recently, US-based firms linked to Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the measures as a "major" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, the Colombian government recently passed a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.