A private security team operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo suffered heavy casualties during a mid-September ambush in the eastern province of South Kivu, leaving about 20 people dead or wounded, including a former American mixed martial arts fighter, according to regional security sources and news reports.
Former UFC fighter and U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg during the Sept. 17 attack, the New York Post and Stars and Stripes reported. Kennedy was medically evacuated to the United States and is receiving care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington, D.C.
The deadly confrontation involved contractors linked to Vectus Global, a firm directed by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, the New York Post reported. The ambush claimed the life of Justin Conaglen, a former lance corporal in the New Zealand Special Air Service, and at least seven Congolese nationals, according to government and security sources.
Ambush in mineral-rich South Kivu
The contractors were ambushed while traveling between locations in South Kivu, a volatile region long plagued by fighting over valuable mineral resources. According to war correspondent Robert Young Pelton, speaking to the New Zealand Herald, the contractors were assigned to secure mining revenues, deter smuggling and assist Congolese authorities with tax enforcement.
Details regarding the assault also surfaced when former Delta Force operator Brent Tucker spoke about the incident on his podcast, explaining that Kennedy had been operating in a three-man team before coming under fire and waiting hours for evacuation.
A source working alongside the Congolese government told the New York Post that Rwandan military forces supporting M23 rebels may have tracked a surveillance drone to locate the contractors. Two other sources told the outlet that Rwandan troops carried out the ambush. While the United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of commanding and supporting M23, the Rwandan government has consistently denied involvement.
Expanding security footprint
The clash highlights the growing presence of private security personnel in Central Africa. Vectus Global had previously helped Congolese military forces secure the strategic city of Uvira earlier this year following diplomatic efforts led by Washington to withdraw rebel forces, the New York Post reported.
A representative for Vectus Global declined to comment, and the company had not previously recorded casualties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a source familiar with the operation. Spokespeople for the Congolese government, the Rwandan government and M23 did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The U.S. State Department noted that it holds no contracts with Prince in Congo, though American officials have acknowledged plans to collaborate with Vectus Global on security initiatives in Haiti.
New Zealand authorities have launched an inquiry into Conaglen’s death, while official details about the incident remain tightly guarded by contractor non-disclosure agreements and ongoing operational reviews.
