# Vectus Global ambush in DR Congo > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vectus-global-ambush-in-dr-congo > Updated: 2026-10-13T14:38:12.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3. On September 17, 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. The attack resulted in approximately 20 casualties, including deaths and injuries. Among the deceased was Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s Special Air Service. The wounded included former U.S. Army Green Beret and UFC fighter Tim Kennedy, who sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg. Kennedy, 47, was medically evacuated to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, where he is currently recovering. U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden confirmed Kennedy’s survival via social media, requesting prayers for his recovery. The Vectus Global team was reportedly conducting operations to assist the Congolese government with tax collection, combating smuggling, and protecting mining revenues. Reports indicate the casualties also included at least seven Congolese nationals, other foreign contractors, and potentially local villagers. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Congolese government sources suggest the ambush may have been coordinated by forces supporting M23 rebels, possibly after tracking a surveillance drone used by the team. Recent reports further suggest the attack may have been orchestrated by rebel forces supported by Rwanda. This incident marks the first reported loss of life for Vectus Global during its operations in the region. ## Claims - An ambush occurred on September 17 in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The ambush resulted in approximately 20 casualties, including deaths and injuries. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tim Kennedy sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg during the attack. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Justin Conaglen, a former New Zealand Special Air Service member, was killed in the ambush. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The mission aimed to protect mining revenue, combat smuggling, and collect taxes for the Congolese government. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tim Kennedy is receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Tim Kennedy was part of a team recruited by Vectus Global for operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Congolese government believes the ambush was orchestrated by rebel forces supported by Rwanda. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Tim Kennedy wounded in deadly Democratic Republic of Congo ambush Former UFC fighter and Green Beret Tim Kennedy is recovering in the US after being shot three times during a deadly ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo while working for a private security firm. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tim-kennedy-wounded-in-deadly-democratic-republic-of-congo-ambush ### 2026-10-11: Tim Kennedy wounded in deadly Congo ambush Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was wounded in a deadly ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while working for Vectus Global. The attack left roughly 20 casualties, including a former NZ SAS soldier. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tim-kennedy-injured-in-deadly-congo-ambush-targeting-vectus-global-team ### 2026-10-08: Vectus Global forces ambushed in DR Congo, leaving 20 dead or wounded An ambush in eastern DR Congo on September 17 left roughly 20 people dead or wounded, including former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy and New Zealand SAS veteran Justin Conaglen. The team was linked to Erik Prince’s-V 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erik-prince-linked-forces-ambushed-in-dr-congo --- Cite as: Vectus Global ambush in DR Congo. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vectus-global-ambush-in-dr-congo