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Vectus Global forces ambushed in DR Congo, leaving 20 dead or wounded
A security team linked to Vectus Global, a private military company owned by Erik Prince, was ambushed in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on September 17. The attack resulted in approximately 20 casualties, including deaths and injuries.
Among the deceased is Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s Special Air Service (SAS). The wounded include former UFC fighter and U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy, who sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg. Kennedy was medically evacuated to the United States and is reportedly receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in a stable condition.
The Vectus Global team was reportedly engaged in operations to protect mining revenues, combat smuggling, and assist with tax collection for the Congolese government. Some sources suggest the ambush may have been coordinated by Rwandan military forces, potentially after tracking a surveillance drone used by the team. Neither the Rwandan government nor the M23 rebel group has officially commented on the incident.
Entities
Democratic Republic of the Congo · Erik Prince · Justin Conaglen · M23 · Tim Kennedy · Vectus Global
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 20 SOURCES] Former UFC fighter and US Green Beret Tim Kennedy sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg during the attack. nemosnewsnetwork.com · cedarnews.net · internewscast.com · srnnews.com · thesudantimes.com · +15 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Sources suggested Rwandan military involvement in the ambush, potentially tracking a surveillance drone used by the team. offthepress.com · srnnews.com · thesudantimes.com · www.lifezette.com · www.mediaite.com · +4 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The security forces involved are linked to Vectus Global, a company owned by Erik Prince. offthepress.com · internewscast.com · srnnews.com · thesudantimes.com · www.lifezette.com · +15 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] The deceased included Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s Special Forces. nemosnewsnetwork.com · offthepress.com · cedarnews.net · thesudantimes.com · www.lifezette.com · +15 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] Tim Kennedy is receiving medical treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. nemosnewsnetwork.com · internewscast.com · cedarnews.net · www.lifezette.com · www.mediaite.com · +15 more
- [● 20 SOURCES] An ambush in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, on September 17 left approximately 20 people killed or wounded. nemosnewsnetwork.com · offthepress.com · cedarnews.net · internewscast.com · srnnews.com · +15 more