Former UFC star injured in bloody ambush in Congo. Behind the scenes of a secret operation

According to Reuters, on September 17, Vectus Global troops were ambushed in the South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to reports, at least 20 people were killed or injured - including seven Congolese, a former member of New Zealand special forces and two foreign contractors.

Among the injured was Tim Kennedy, a former military man and mixed martial arts star, who survived the attack with three gunshot wounds to the leg. He is currently undergoing treatment in the USA.

Who is Erik Prince and what does Vectus Global do?

Erik Prince is a well-known figure in the world of private military companies. As the founder of the now-defunct Blackwater, Prince has been involved in armed conflicts around the world for years. His current company, Vectus Global, provides consulting and security services in war-torn places from Haiti to Africa.

In Congo, Prince was to help secure the strategic city of Uvira and improve revenue collection from rich mineral deposits that have been plundered by various armed groups for decades.

According to information obtained by Reuters, Vectus Global forces were attacked while moving between locations. The level of advancement of the ambush indicates the possible involvement of Rwandan troops, which for years have been accused by the UN and the West of supporting the M23 rebels. Rwanda vehemently denies this, but fighting for control over the mineral-rich areas of eastern Congo continues.

Tim Kennedy – fighter, podcaster, celebrity

Tim Kennedy is not only a former Green Beret and UFC fighter, but also a popular podcaster and influencer. His social media is followed by millions of fans, and Kennedy himself often shares his thoughts on politics, culture and family life. He did not publicly inform about his mission in the Congo - the details of the operation are still shrouded in secret.

Kennedy fought 24 fights in the UFC between 2013 and 2017. He won 18 of them.