Erik Prince-linked forces suffer deadly ambush in Congo; former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy wounded

Forces linked to Blackwater founder Erik Prince suffered a major battlefield loss in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after being ambushed in mid-September, according to Reuters, which cited sources close to the Congolese government and Prince’s company.

At least 20 people were killed or wounded in the attack, according to the report.

Former UFC fighter and U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy was among those wounded. Separate reports say Kennedy suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his leg, before being evacuated for medical treatment. He was later reported to be in stable condition.

The ambush reportedly took place on September 17 in eastern Congo.

One of the men reported killed was Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s elite SAS.

The exact mission being carried out by the group has not been publicly detailed. Earlier reports had linked the team to a private security operation associated with Erik Prince, but some aspects of the operation remained unconfirmed.

The incident represents one of the most serious reported losses involving foreign private security personnel operating in the conflict-hit region.