Congo ambush that wounded Tim Kennedy linked to mining revenue protection operation

Former UFC middleweight Tim Kennedy was part of a private security operation tied to protecting mining revenue and combating smuggling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo when he was wounded in an ambush on September 17, sources close to the Congolese government told MMA Weekly.

Kennedy was one of three contractors working in South Kivu province when the attack occurred. His teammates were former New Zealand Special Air Service member Justin Conaglen and an unidentified third contractor. The ambush left approximately 20 people dead or wounded, according to sources cited by Reuters.

Conaglen was killed in the attack, while Kennedy and the third contractor survived with wounds. Kennedy reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds to a leg. At least seven Congolese nationals were among those killed, and a Congolese security source told Reuters that villagers were likely among the casualties.

The three contractors were working for Vectus Global, a private security company led by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, according to the reporting. Their assignment was described as a ground-clearing operation linked to broader government efforts to protect mining revenue, combat smuggling, and collect taxes.

A Vectus Global representative declined to comment to Reuters. The identities of the attackers and the precise circumstances surrounding the ambush have not been officially confirmed.