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The United States has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

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

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light last year, prompted by an investigation which found that more than 300 former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an discovery that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved remarked that training children was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say ran a firm accused of managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Recently, American entities associated with Duque engaged in several money transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents," the department said in a statement.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "major" milestone, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the right way to go".

She added that, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in overseas wars and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and based out of the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.