🔗 Share this article United States Enforces Penalties on Operation Alleged of Channeling South American Mercenaries to Sudan. The US government has enforced penalties on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of recruiting South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts. Network Composition Announcing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the operation was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies. Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings. Discovery of Participation The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, after an inquiry which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that led to an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry. Former Colombian military have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their extensive battlefield experience acquired during years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training. Activities in Sudan In the conflict, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way". Sanctioned Individuals Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned. Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated ran a firm accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "Recently, US-based firms associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said. Individual Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the company she managed accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his businesses. "Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to cease providing funding and arms to the warring parties," the agency announced. Reaction Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "very significant" development, noting that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach". She added that, the Colombian government has enacted a statute endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and change national security policy. Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating widespread use of contractors". "It operates in the black market and centered in Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.