Erik Prince's forces suffer major ambush in Congo

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 05:00 · Archive

Security forces working for Blackwater founder Erik Prince suffered a major ambush in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 17 September, killing and wounding about 20 people.

Security forces working for Blackwater founder Erik Prince's company Vectus Global suffered a major ambush in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 17 September. About 20 people were killed or wounded in the clash, which marks a significant battlefield loss for Prince's operation. The dead included at least seven Congolese soldiers and a former member of New Zealand's Special Forces.

Former UFC fighter and US Green Beret Tim Kennedy was among those injured in the attack. The Daily Mail reports that Kennedy sustained three gunshot wounds to the leg and is being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the suburbs of Washington. Kennedy is a popular social media figure with millions of followers.

Vectus Global, which also operates in Haiti and other parts of Africa, provides consulting and security services. The company had previously helped Congo's army secure the city of Uvira against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who control parts of eastern Congo. One source working for Congo's government suggested that Rwandan forces backing the M23 may have tracked a drone used for surveillance to locate Prince's forces. Vectus Global declined to comment on the incident, and spokespeople for the Congolese, Rwandan and M23 governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

How it is being reported

• At least 20 killed or injured, including popular UFC fighter, as mercenary forces of US Blackwater founder ambushed in AfricaBlackwater founder Erik Prince's private security forces suffered a devastating ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving around 20 people dead or wounded.Daily Mail · 10 Oct, 04:49
• Ex-UFC fighter Tim Kennedy injured in Congo as Blackwater founder Erik Prince’s forces take heavy casualtiesErik Prince’s security forces suffered a major ambush in Congo, leaving about 20 dead or wounded, including former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy.New York Post · 10 Oct, 01:30

In this story: Erik Prince · Tim Kennedy · Vectus Global · Democratic Republic of Congo · M23 · Rwanda

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