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The United States has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms accused of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Revealing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light the previous year, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that over three hundred former soldiers had been recruited to engage in combat – an event that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the Colombians have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer operating from the UAE. The US authorities said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated ran a firm accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to cease providing funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "very significant" development, stating that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.