🔗 Share this article US Imposes Penalties on Network Alleged of Channeling Colombian Mercenaries to the Sudanese Conflict. The US government has imposed sanctions on a network of several persons and entities charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide. Group Makeup Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the operation was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia. Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a group accused of severe violations such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions. Revelation of Role The role of these mercenaries first came to light the previous year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry. These South American veterans have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training. Activities in Sudan In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way". Targeted Persons Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The government said he had a pivotal function in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted. Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted. Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his businesses. "The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement. Expert Analysis A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "very significant" step, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy". Furthermore, Bogotá has enacted a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and change its security approach. Another expert, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, stating that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing the growing mercenary trade". "It’s an illicit economy and based out of the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.