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The United States has levied restrictions on a network of four individuals and four companies charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of severe violations including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light last year, after an report which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an event that led to an rare mea culpa from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the contractors have allegedly instructed child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary remarked that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the Dubai. The government accused him a key part in recruiting and deploying former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States linked to Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release said.

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

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the department announced.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "very significant" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, the Colombian government ratified a statute endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform national security policy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.