Colombian mercenaries are increasingly leaving their home country to participate in foreign wars, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. These soldiers-for-hire are sought after for their combat experience gained from Colombia's long-standing internal conflict. They often train alongside U.S. military forces and are willing to accept lower wages compared to other mercenaries of similar skill levels. Currently, estimates suggest that around 300 Colombians are fighting in Sudan, while up to 2,500 have joined the defense of Ukraine against Russian forces. The International Legion for the Defence of Ukraine (ILDU) has reported that Colombian fighters are considered “effectively NATO-standard soldiers for a quarter of the price,” according to Dr. Sean McFate, an expert on modern mercenaries. The Colombian military has trained over 100,000 soldiers since 2000, bolstering their reputation as capable fighters. “I have Navy SEALs crying in the trench side-by-side Colombians who continue on,” said Laz, a sergeant in the ILDU who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Colombia's internal conflict has resulted in a large, well-trained military, which has contributed to a thriving private security industry. This sector, which employs over 390,000 people, accounts for 1.2% of Colombia's GDP. Private security firms often recruit young Colombian soldiers, offering lucrative salaries to fight abroad. The trend of Colombian mercenaries began to rise in the 2010s, particularly after the United Arab Emirates hired ex-combatants to protect oil facilities. The phenomenon intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic when regulations for private security firms were relaxed. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, an estimated 450 to 550 Colombians have died on the front lines. One such soldier, Jhonatan Andrés Martínez Villada, was recruited via TikTok and died in March 2023. His mother, Mérida Villada Ibarra, described him as a good son motivated by a desire to help Ukraine and financial struggles at home. She has taken over his TikTok account to advocate for the return of his body and the payments she claims he was owed. The Ukrainian government considers foreign volunteers, including Colombians, as part of their armed forces, granting them the same pay and protections. However, Villada Ibarra expressed frustration, stating that officials have not provided support for families of fallen soldiers. On September 6, Sudan accused the UAE of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces in its civil war. Sudan's UN representative labeled the UAE a “direct threat to regional peace and security.” The UAE has denied these allegations, calling them public relations stunts. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has voiced concerns about the involvement of former soldiers in foreign conflicts. He has proposed legislation to prohibit ex-military members from joining foreign armies and has suggested that Colombia should sign a UN convention against mercenary activities. Petro has also criticized the treatment of Colombian fighters in Ukraine, claiming they are viewed as inferior. He has called for the immediate return of Colombian mercenaries, stating they are being exploited. Experts suggest that addressing the issue of Colombian mercenaries requires improving veterans' benefits. Currently, veterans receive a modest pension and free healthcare, but they can earn significantly more by fighting abroad. For families like Villada Ibarra's, the risks associated with foreign combat outweigh the potential financial benefits. She hopes her son's story will deter others from pursuing similar paths, saying, "I was initially afraid to speak, but now I have the courage to talk about it because I can’t bear this anguish anymore."