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The Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of four people and four firms alleged of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the restrictions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of horrific war crimes including ethnically targeted slaughter and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered last year, following an report which disclosed that hundreds of former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the mercenaries have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company implicated in handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be targeted, with the company she managed accused of money transfers linked to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges external actors to cease providing financial and military support to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "major" development, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a law approving the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and transform national security policy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.