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The Washington has levied restrictions on a operation of four individuals and four companies alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Operation Structure

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of retired Colombian troops have reportedly travelled to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of terrible atrocities encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters was first uncovered last year, prompted by an inquiry which revealed that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that resulted in an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from years of internal conflict, knowledge of Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Reported Actions

In Sudan, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved previously stated that training children was "terrible and insane" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a key part in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who authorities say managed a business linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, US-based firms connected to Duque carried out several money transfers, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw alleged to have money transfers associated with Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the agency said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "very significant" development, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

Furthermore, Bogotá recently passed a statute ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and based out of the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.