Indian national among 8 sanctioned by US over alleged Sudan war support
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Washington: The United States has imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities, including an Indian national linked to an explosives manufacturing company, over allegations that they supported networks fuelling the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the sanctioned networks helped strengthen both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the two major factions involved in the conflict.
Among those targeted is Alok Choudhari from Raipur, Chief Executive Officer of SBL Energy Limited, also known as Amin Explosive Private Limited. US authorities alleged that the company supplied more than 200 shipments of explosives and related materials to a firm connected with the SAF’s weapons infrastructure.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned SBL Energy Limited, along with companies based in Sudan and Egypt. According to US officials, these networks provided weapons, explosives and foreign fighters to both sides, contributing to the continuation of the conflict and worsening humanitarian crisis.
The US identified Sudan-based Target Multiactivities Company (TMAC) and its general manager, Tariq Hussain Muhammad Madani, a senior officer linked to Sudan’s Defence Industries System (DIS), among those blacklisted.
DIS, described by the US as Sudan’s largest defence organisation, manages the country’s military supplies, including weapons, ammunition and equipment. It operates several subsidiaries, including Giad Industrial Group, also known as Sudan Master Technology, through complex structures.
US authorities said DIS and Giad have enabled the SAF to continue military operations against the RSF, including attacks affecting civilians and resistance to ceasefire efforts. Both organisations were previously sanctioned by Washington in 2023.
The sanctions also include Ports Engineering Company Ltd, a Sudanese state-owned engineering firm based in Port Sudan. The company has been accused of facilitating imports of military-related supplies, including uniforms, footwear and equipment linked to Sudanese security forces since the conflict began in April 2023.
Washington also targeted members of a separate international network accused of recruiting former Colombian military personnel to fight alongside the RSF.
The network was allegedly led by retired Colombian officer Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra and his wife Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, who were previously sanctioned by the US.
Three executives linked to Panama-based Talent Bridge SA were also blacklisted over alleged involvement in recruitment activities. They include Panamanian nationals Enrique Daniel Palacios Quintanilla and Jack Peter Derman Guzman, along with Colombian national Fredy Alejandro Lopez Ocampo.