🔗 Share this article US Imposes Penalties on Group Alleged of Recruiting South American Fighters to the Sudanese Conflict. The Washington has enforced penalties on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of recruiting South American contractors to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide. Operation Structure Revealing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms. Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings. Emergence of Involvement The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered in 2024, after an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred former soldiers had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry. These South American veterans have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training. Activities in Sudan In Sudan, the mercenaries have reportedly trained child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved previously stated that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Targeted Persons Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer located in the Dubai. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned. Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement noted. Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his companies. "The United States again calls on external actors to cease providing funding and arms to the belligerents," the agency announced. Analyst Commentary A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy". She added that, Bogotá has enacted a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit its citizens' long history in international fights and change its security approach. A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with rampant mercenarism". "It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.