🔗 Share this article US Imposes Penalties on Group Accused of Funneling Colombian Contractors to the Sudanese Conflict. The United States has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of hiring South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide. Group Makeup Disclosing the measures on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms. Numerous of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction accused of severe violations encompassing targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings. Discovery of Participation The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that over three hundred former soldiers had been hired to fight – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry. Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and elite military instruction. Role in the Conflict In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, taught fighters to pilot drones, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is". Sanctioned Individuals Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the Dubai. The Treasury accused him a key part in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well. Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say ran a firm implicated in managing finances and payments for the scheme. "Recently, companies in the United States associated with Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the official announcement noted. Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations. "The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury said in a statement. Reaction An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" step, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the proper strategy". She added that, Colombia ratified a statute approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and reshape domestic defense strategy. A mercenary specialist, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade". "This is a shadow economy and operating from the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.