Human Rights Watch accused the United Arab Emirates of training Colombian mercenaries before deploying them to fight alongside Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, according to a report released Tuesday. The UAE denied the allegations.

The rights organization said hundreds of Colombian mercenaries were trained by Emirati nationals at military facilities in the Al Dhafra region and Abu Dhabi before being sent to Sudan. According to the report, the mercenaries were hired by Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group, a private security firm.

Human Rights Watch quoted an unnamed Colombian mercenary who said he trained RSF recruits at camps near Nyala in April 2023, including "young children." A UN panel of experts reported in September that Colombian mercenaries fought in multiple areas across Sudan, operating drones, artillery and armored vehicles. RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged in February that Colombian mercenaries have helped his group operate drones.

The UAE's Foreign Ministry told The Associated Press it "does not permit its territory to be used for the recruitment, training, financing or transit of foreign fighters to any conflict, including Sudan." The ministry said any private entity providing such support would be acting without state authorization and in violation of Emirati law.

Sudan's war began April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted between the military and the RSF in Khartoum and spread across the country. The RSF emerged from Arab Janjaweed militias known for atrocities in Darfur in the early 2000s. The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, though researchers say the actual toll is likely higher.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Colombian individuals and firms allegedly involved in recruiting mercenaries for the RSF. Human Rights Watch called for the international community to pressure the UAE to end alleged support for the RSF through suspended military cooperation and arms sales.