An investigative report published by the Colombian newspaper “La Silla Facia” confirmed the presence of nearly 300 former Colombian soldiers participating in the war in Sudan, some of whom arrived via Libya.
the report explained that thes soldiers, some of whom were described as “kidnapped,” were recruited through a Colombian security company under the guise of contracts to protect the UAE’s oil infrastructure.
the report stated that the journey of these soldiers began in the Emirates, then they moved by air to the city of Benghazi, where they stayed in facilities said to belong to the Libyan authorities, before they were transported to Sudan through the desert.
According to the report,the soldiers’ testimonies indicate that they were deceived,adn that they were forced to fight with the Rapid support Forces in Sudan.
La Silla indicated that some Colombian soldiers were ambushed on the Libyan-Sudanese border, which led to the death of three of them and the injury of others.
The report pointed out the involvement of the Colombian company “A4SI” in the process of recruiting these soldiers, with reference to the role of retired Colonel Alvaro Quijano, residing in Dubai, in managing this process.
Source: Colombian newspaper La Silla Fascia.
Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Mariana Castillo on Colombian Soldiers in teh Sudan conflict
Editor of Time.news: Hello, Dr. Castillo, thank you for joining us today.We recently came across a striking report by “La Silla Facia,” revealing that nearly 300 former Colombian soldiers are involved in the ongoing war in Sudan. Can you shed some light on how this situation came about?
Dr. Mariana Castillo: Thank you for having me. The report details a grim reality where these soldiers were misled into a situation that some might label as modern-day mercenarism. They started their journey under the premise of contracts aimed at protecting UAE oil infrastructure, but the unfolding events indicate they were deceived.The recruitment was allegedly orchestrated by the Colombian company A4SI, linked to retired Colonel Alvaro Quijano, which raises significant ethical and legal concerns.
Editor of Time.news: That’s quite alarming. The article mentions that some soldiers ended up being ambushed at the Libyan-Sudanese border,resulting in casualties. What does this imply about the conditions on the ground?
Dr. Mariana Castillo: This indeed illustrates the perilous and unpredictable conditions of warfare in this region. The ambush suggests that these soldiers, some reportedly “kidnapped,” found themselves in a high-risk situation without adequate training or planning. Their testimonies hint at a betrayal, where they were forced to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, a group known for its brutal tactics. Such actions can have severe repercussions not just for them but also for the geopolitical landscape.
Editor of Time.news: The involvement of former Colombian soldiers raises questions about the recruitment practices of private military companies. What industry insights can you provide regarding this trend?
Dr. Mariana Castillo: the situation underscores a burgeoning trend where private military companies are increasingly utilized in conflict zones. This recruitment of soldiers, notably from developing nations like Colombia, indicates a shift in how warfare is conducted. These companies frequently enough operate in legal gray areas, and the promise of employment can be very tempting for individuals in economically precarious situations. However, it also poses legal and ethical challenges, both for the employees and the countries involved.
Editor of Time.news: For our readers who might want more understanding of this issue, what practical advice would you offer?
Dr. Mariana Castillo: I would advise anyone considering employment with private military firms to conduct thorough research. It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the company and understand the nature of the contracts. Moreover, individuals should be aware of the risks involved—not just the physical dangers but also the potential for exploitation. For policymakers, it’s vital to regulate these firms to ensure accountability. Media scrutiny,like that from “La Silla Facia,” plays an essential role in holding these entities accountable and informing the public.
Editor of time.news: Thank you, Dr. Castillo, for these insights. This situation involving Colombian soldiers in Sudan certainly warrants further attention and analysis.
Dr. Mariana Castillo: Thank you for having me. It’s importent to continue this conversation and highlight the complexities of private military involvement in global conflicts.