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The Washington has levied restrictions on a operation of four people and four firms charged of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a Sudanese paramilitary group that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction implicated in severe violations including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered the previous year, prompted by an report which disclosed that over three hundred retired troops had been hired to engage in combat – an discovery that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source remarked that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer based in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company accused of managing finances and payments for the network. "Recently, US-based firms linked to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the official announcement said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the company she managed accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving financial and military support to the combatants," the agency stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "highly important" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

She added that, Bogotá has enacted a piece of legislation endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," the expert cautioned.