Tim Kennedy Wounded in Deadly Congo Ambush Linked to Erik Prince’s Vectus Global

Former UFC fighter and retired U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy survived an ambush in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after suffering three gunshot wounds to the leg, according to new reporting from Reuters.

Kennedy is reportedly receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington. Credible reporting does not support social-media claims that Kennedy was killed.

The fatal foreign casualty identified so far was former New Zealand Special Air Service soldier Justin Conaglen. At least seven Congolese were also reportedly killed. Kennedy and another foreign contractor were among the wounded.

The September 17 attack occurred in South Kivu and targeted a team working with Vectus Global, the security and consulting company led by Blackwater founder Erik Prince.

About 20 Reported Killed or Wounded

Reuters reported that approximately 20 people were killed or wounded in the ambush, citing sources close to the Congolese government and Vectus Global.

A Congolese security source said local villagers may also have been among the casualties. The complete number of fatalities, the identities of all those involved and the team’s precise mission have not been publicly confirmed.

Reuters said it spoke with at least 10 sources who had direct knowledge of the attack or had been briefed on its outcome. Vectus Global declined to comment. The U.S. State Department and Walter Reed also declined to provide additional information.

Stars and Stripes reported that Conaglen had recently left the New Zealand military and was working overseas when he was killed. Kennedy was medically evacuated to the United States following the attack.

What Happened During the Ambush

The Vectus team was reportedly traveling between locations when it was attacked.

One source told Reuters that enemy forces may have located the team by tracking a surveillance drone back to its operating position. Three sources attributed the sophistication of the attack to Rwandan forces operating in support of the M23 rebel movement.

That allegation has not been independently confirmed.

The Congolese government, the Rwandan government and M23 did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, although the United States, United Nations and other Western governments have accused the Rwandan military of backing the armed group.

The U.S. State Department stated in March that continued support from the Rwanda Defence Force had enabled M23 to capture Congolese territory and continue serious abuses.

Vectus Global’s Expanding Role in Congo

Prince initially reached an agreement with the Congolese government in 2025 to help improve revenue collection from the country’s mineral sector and combat cross-border smuggling.

The original work was described as focus