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The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies accused of hiring South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of committing genocide.

Operation Structure

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

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a faction linked to terrible atrocities such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers was first uncovered the previous year, following an report which found that more than 300 former soldiers had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer based in the Dubai. The Treasury accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be sanctioned, with the firm she operated said to have conducted money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the department announced.

Expert Analysis

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a statute approving the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The UAE has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," the expert cautioned.