Erik Prince Forces Ambushed in Congo, Ex-UFC Fighter Among Injured
Mercenary group linked to Blackwater founder suffers casualties in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting expanded security operations.
Forces associated with Erik Prince, the founder of the private military company Blackwater and an ally of former President Donald Trump, sustained significant casualties in an ambush in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 20 individuals were reported killed or wounded in the September 17 attack.
Among those injured was Tim Kennedy, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter and retired U.S. Green Beret, who sustained three gunshot wounds to the leg. Kennedy is currently receiving treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington.
The ambush occurred in South Kivu province, where Prince's company, Vectus Global, provides consulting and security services. Sources indicate that Rwandan forces backing M23 rebels may have been responsible for the attack, potentially tracking the Vectus team via a surveillance drone.
Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand's elite Special Air Service, was among the fatalities. His remains were returned to New Zealand for a funeral. A representative for Vectus Global declined to comment on the incident. This marks the first reported casualties for the company in Congo.
Prince's involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded, with his forces assisting the Congolese army in securing areas against rebels. Vectus Global's operations in the region reportedly include protecting mineral revenues and providing military assistance.
The U.S. State Department and Walter Reed have declined to comment on the incident. Kennedy, who has a significant following on social media and a popular podcast, has close ties to President Trump, who is a noted fan of UFC.
The conflict in eastern Congo is fueled by competition for the region's rich mineral resources and involves numerous armed groups. United Nations investigators have previously noted a military component to Prince's contracts in the DRC, involving strategic advice and the recruitment of foreign military personnel. The U.S. State Department has stated it does not have contracts with Prince in Congo but plans to collaborate with Vectus Global in Haiti.