US Imposes Penalties on Network Accused of Channeling South American Contractors to Sudan.

The Washington has enforced penalties on a group of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force accused of severe violations encompassing targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, following an inquiry which found that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The government said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business implicated in processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque engaged in several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the official announcement said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted financial transactions linked to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, called the actions as a "highly important" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

She added that, Colombia ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and transform national security policy.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.