CyberSanctions – US Expands Sudan Conflict Sanctions, Names Indian Explosives Company

CyberSanctions – The United States has announced a new round of sanctions targeting eight individuals and organisations accused of contributing to Sudan’s prolonged civil war. Among those listed are an Indian businessman and a Raipur-based explosives manufacturer, with US authorities alleging that military-related supplies reached the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The move forms part of Washington’s broader effort to disrupt supply chains that it says have intensified one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

Indian Executive and Company Included in Sanctions

According to the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Alok Choudhari, Chief Executive Officer of SBL Energy Limited, also known as Amin Explosive Private Limited, has been placed under sanctions. The department alleges that the company delivered more than 200 consignments of explosives and related materials to Sudan-based Target Multiactivities Company (TMAC). US officials claim TMAC played a key role in maintaining the SAF’s stockpile of military equipment and that the supplied materials were ultimately used in bombs deployed during the conflict.

Wider Network Faces Restrictions

The sanctions also extend to SBL Energy Limited, TMAC, its General Manager Tariq Hussain Muhammad Madani, and several businesses operating in Sudan and Egypt. Washington alleges that these organisations supported military procurement activities linked to Sudan’s armed forces.

Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the US Department of State, said the sanctioned networks had supplied weapons, explosives, and foreign fighters to both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He stated that such assistance had prolonged the conflict, worsened the humanitarian situation, and created conditions that could allow terrorist organisations to operate.

Defence Industry Under Increased Scrutiny

The Treasury Department identified Sudan’s Defence Industries System (DIS) as the country’s largest defence enterprise, responsible for maintaining the SAF’s inventory of weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, and other defence equipment. US authorities allege that much of this equipment has been obtained through support from Iran and other international partners.

Officials also highlighted DIS’s control over several subsidiaries, including the Giad Industrial Group, also known as Sudan Master Technology. According to the Treasury Department, these interconnected businesses have generated substantial revenue while supporting Sudan’s defence manufacturing and procurement capabilities.

Previous Measures and New Allegations

US officials noted that both DIS and Giad Industrial Group were sanctioned in 2023. They now allege that continued procurement of military equipment has enabled the Sudanese Armed Forces to sustain operations against the RSF, carry out attacks affecting civilians, and complicate international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.

Another entity added to the sanctions list is Ports Engineering Company Ltd, a state-owned engineering firm based in Port Sudan. OFAC alleges that the company imported military uniforms, footwear, ammunition belts, and weapons cases through suppliers located in the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye after fighting erupted in April 2023.

Recruitment Network Also Targeted

In addition to companies involved in defence supplies, US authorities imposed sanctions on individuals allegedly connected to an international recruitment network accused of hiring former Colombian military personnel to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces.

The Treasury Department identified retired Colombian military officer Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra and his wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, as central figures in the operation. US authorities said Oliveros Forero had already been sanctioned previously.

Three executives associated with Panama-based Talent Bridge SA were also blacklisted. They include Panamanian nationals Enrique Daniel Palacios Quintanilla and Jack Peter Derman Guzman, along with Colombian national Fredy Alejandro Lopez Ocampo. According to US officials, the company was allegedly used to conceal activities related to the recruitment network