The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and two firms for allegedly recruiting and deploying Colombian mercenaries to fight in Sudan's ongoing civil war, according to U.S. officials.

The sanctioned parties are accused of recruiting Colombian fighters to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the conflict that has devastated Sudan. The RSF has been engaged in warfare against the Sudanese Armed Forces since fighting erupted in April 2021.

Sudan's civil war has now entered its fourth year with no resolution in sight. The conflict began when tensions between the RSF and the regular army escalated into open warfare, plunging the country into chaos and creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

The use of foreign mercenaries has become a significant concern for international observers monitoring the conflict. The recruitment of Colombian fighters represents an expansion of the proxy elements involved in Sudan's war, which has already displaced millions of civilians and caused widespread destruction across the country.

The sanctions are part of broader U.S. efforts to limit the flow of foreign fighters and resources that have prolonged the conflict in Sudan. The Treasury Department's action targets what officials describe as networks facilitating the recruitment and deployment of mercenaries to the war-torn nation.