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U.S. Treasury Sanctions Individuals and Firms for Recruiting Mercenaries in Sudan Conflict

U.S. Treasury Sanctions Individuals and Firms for Recruiting Mercenaries in Sudan Conflict

The U.S. Department of Treasury has imposed sanctions on three individuals and two firms for allegedly recruiting and deploying Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing war. The sanctions target a Bogota-based employment agency, Fénix, and another firm, GQAB, both involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to support the RSF. The RSF, which has been at war with the Sudanese military since April 2023, is accused of committing atrocities amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The conflict has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths and has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of assistance.
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A top paramilitary commander defects to Sudan’s military as war enters 4th year

A top paramilitary commander defects to Sudan’s military as war enters 4th year

A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has switched sides and joined the country’s army as the war enters a fourth year
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Los Angeles Woman Arrested for Allegedly Facilitating Iran-Sudan Weapons Trafficking

Los Angeles Woman Arrested for Allegedly Facilitating Iran-Sudan Weapons Trafficking

Federal prosecutors have arrested Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old woman at Los Angeles International Airport, on suspicion of aiding Iran in trafficking weapons to Sudan. Mafi, an Iranian national and U.S. permanent resident, is accused of brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The arrest comes amid Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has led to a humanitarian crisis. Mafi is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, facing potential charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison.
Reuters Reuters
Exclusive-Pakistan places $1.5 billion Sudan weapons sale on hold after Saudi objection, sources say

Exclusive-Pakistan places $1.5 billion Sudan weapons sale on hold after Saudi objection, sources say

By Mubasher Bukhari ISLAMABAD, April 20 (Reuters) - Pakistan has put a $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan on hold after Saudi Arabia asked for the agreement to be terminated and said it would not finance the purchase, two Pakistani security sources and a diplomatic source said. 
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Los Angeles Woman Charged with Facilitating Iran's Weapon Trafficking to Sudan

Los Angeles Woman Charged with Facilitating Iran's Weapon Trafficking to Sudan

A 44-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Shamim Mafi, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of aiding Iran in trafficking weapons to Sudan. Federal prosecutors allege that Mafi brokered the sale of drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The arrest comes amid Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Mafi, an Iranian national who became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2016, is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison.
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Israeli Strikes on Medics in Lebanon Highlight Ongoing Conflict Impact on Health Sector

Israeli Strikes on Medics in Lebanon Highlight Ongoing Conflict Impact on Health Sector

In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have targeted ambulances, resulting in the deaths of four paramedics and injuries to six others. The attacks occurred near the village of Mayfadoun, where two ambulances were initially hit, followed by a third ambulance that arrived to assist. The strikes are part of ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of using medical facilities for military purposes, a claim denied by Hezbollah and the Lebanese Health Ministry. The attacks have drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations, which warned that targeting medics could constitute a war crime. The conflict has severely impacted Lebanon's health sector, with numerous medical workers killed and facilities damaged.
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Los Angeles Woman Charged with Trafficking Weapons to Sudan for Iran

Los Angeles Woman Charged with Trafficking Weapons to Sudan for Iran

Federal prosecutors have charged Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old resident of Los Angeles, with trafficking weapons to Sudan on behalf of Iran. Mafi was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport and is accused of facilitating the sale of drones, bombs, and ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. The charges come amid Sudan's ongoing civil war, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Mafi, who became a U.S. permanent resident in 2016, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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Sudan Faces Largest Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict and Food Insecurity

Sudan Faces Largest Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict and Food Insecurity

Sudan is currently experiencing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with 13 million people displaced and millions trapped in a cycle of hunger due to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The conflict, which began in 2023, has devastated the country's agriculture, leaving 41% of the population acutely food insecure. Famine conditions have been confirmed in several regions, including Darfur and Kordofan. The 2026 Sudan Humanitarian and Needs Response Plan, which calls for $2.9 billion in aid, is only 16.2% funded, highlighting a significant shortfall in humanitarian assistance.
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International Rescue Committee Highlights Sudan's Escalating Food Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

International Rescue Committee Highlights Sudan's Escalating Food Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is drawing attention to the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ongoing conflict has led to the largest displacement and food insecurity crisis globally. Since the outbreak of violence in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, the situation has deteriorated significantly. As of 2026, 33.7 million people require humanitarian assistance, with 41% of the population facing acute food insecurity. The conflict has devastated agriculture, a sector employing two-thirds of the population, by destroying infrastructure and making fields and markets inaccessible. The IRC is scaling up its response to provide emergency agricultural assistance to prevent further deterioration in food security and malnutrition.
Reuters Reuters
US imposes sanctions aimed at Colombian fighters in Sudan

US imposes sanctions aimed at Colombian fighters in Sudan

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Reuters) - The United States imposed sanctions on Friday on five companies and individuals it said were involved in recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight on behalf of a paramilitary group in Sudan.
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U.S. Sanctions Imposed on Individuals and Firms for Recruiting Mercenaries in Sudan Conflict

U.S. Sanctions Imposed on Individuals and Firms for Recruiting Mercenaries in Sudan Conflict

The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and two firms for their alleged involvement in recruiting and deploying Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. This action, announced by the Department of Treasury, is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to address the conflict in Sudan, which has persisted since April 2023. The RSF, which originated from the Janjaweed militias known for their brutal actions in Darfur, has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The sanctioned entities include two Bogota-based recruitment agencies, Fénix and GQAB, and individuals associated with these firms. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control highlighted that these entities have been instrumental in deploying former Colombian military personnel to Sudan, where they have participated in combat and technical roles.
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World Court Marks 80 Years Amid Concerns Over Erosion of International Law

World Court Marks 80 Years Amid Concerns Over Erosion of International Law

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) celebrated its 80th anniversary, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warning about the erosion of international law. During the event held at The Hague, Guterres emphasized the importance of law prevailing over force. The celebration highlighted the challenges faced by the international legal framework, including recent threats by U.S. President Trump against Iran and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine. Presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa reaffirmed the court's commitment to interpreting and applying international law rigorously. Established post-World War II, the ICJ adjudicates disputes between countries and provides advisory opinions to U.N. bodies.