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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities charged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the sanctions on this week, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to terrible atrocities including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an report which found that hundreds of former soldiers had been recruited to fight – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The US authorities said he had a key part in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in processing money and salaries for the network. "Recently, American entities linked to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the company she managed said to have conducted wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges external actors to halt the flow of funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, from a conflict think tank, described the measures as a "major" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá has enacted a piece of legislation approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in international fights and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.