The United States on Tuesday imposed financial sanctions on a network involved in recruiting Colombian military personnel to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, citing its role in fueling a conflict that has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on four individuals and four entities connected to the network, which exploits the experience of former Colombian soldiers and trains fighters—including children—to join the RSF.
John K. Hurley, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Intelligence, said the RSF employs brutal tactics targeting civilians, including infants and children, deepening the conflict and fostering an environment conducive to the growth of terrorist groups.
Among the key figures named is Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a retired Colombian-Italian officer residing in the UAE, who is accused of playing a pivotal role in recruiting Colombian fighters and facilitating their logistical support through his Bogotá-based company, “International Services Agency.”
Washington reiterated its commitment to supporting peace and stability in Sudan, calling for a lasting humanitarian truce and a civilian-led transition. It also urged all external actors to halt military and financial support for the conflict.
The network was uncovered through a joint investigation involving OFAC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the National Targeting Center.
