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The US government has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities accused of enlisting South American contractors to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the operation was largely composed of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force linked to terrible atrocities such as massacres based on ethnicity and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light last year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that resulted in an rare mea culpa from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge acquired during decades of civil war, training on Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "terrible and insane" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer based in the UAE. The government 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 oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "Recently, American entities linked to Duque engaged in several money transfers, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated said to have conducted wire transfers connected to Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents," the Treasury said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "highly important" step, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

Furthermore, Bogotá has enacted a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit its citizens' long history in overseas wars and change its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.