American mercenaries owned by Erik Prince killed in the country…

Kinshasa (Caasimada Online) – Private security forces from the company Vectus Global, owned by Erik Prince, the founder of the famous Blackwater company, suffered heavy losses in a surprise attack that occurred in eastern the Democratic Republic of Congo, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of nearly 20 people.

The attack, which took place on September 17, in the South Kivu province, resulted in the deaths of at least seven Congolese nationals and a former soldier from the New Zealand special forces, according to sources working with the Congolese government and those knowledgeable about the company's operations, as reported by Reuters.

Among the injured is Tim Kennedy, a former member of the U.S. special forces and one of the well-known fighters in the UFC competition, along with other foreign personnel from the company.

Three sources told Reuters that Kennedy was hit by three bullets in the leg, but he survived the attack. He is currently being treated at the Walter Reed military medical center, located on the outskirts of Washington.

Reuters reported that it spoke to at least 10 sources, some of whom were directly monitoring the attack, while others were informed of what happened.

This attack highlighted the expanding role of Erik Prince, an ally and supporter of President Donald Trump, in the conflict in eastern Congo, where his company Vectus Global is conducting security operations to support the government of that country.

Suspicion regarding Rwandan forces

Sources working with the Congolese government have stated that it is possible that Rwandan forces supporting the M23 rebels were behind the attack, indicating that the targeted group may have been monitored by a drone used for reconnaissance operations.

One of the sources directly following the incident mentioned that Vectus Global was operating in various locations when the attack occurred.

He added that the manner in which the attack was planned and executed suggests the possibility of involvement by Rwandan troops.

Two other sources have directly accused Rwandan forces of carrying out the attack.

“This situation further emphasizes the need to restore the independence of Congo. It is a very dangerous place at this time,” said one of the informed sources regarding the operation.

However, these accusations have not been independently verified. Spokespersons for the governments of Congo and Rwanda, as well as the M23 group, did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters for comments on the incident.

Security sources from Congo have also stated that local people may be among those who were killed or injured in the attack.

Vectus Global has refrained from commenting on the incident, while informed sources have indicated that this is the first time the company has faced such losses in its operations in Congo.

The role of Erik Prince's company in Congo

Erik Prince went to Congo initially for an agreement related to security and improving government revenue from mining, which is an important economic resource, but has been affected by looting, trafficking, and armed conflicts for over a decade.

However, the activities of his company later extended beyond securing mining revenue, reaching security support and operations in conflict areas.

In January and February of this year, troops from Vectus Global were deployed to the strategic city of Uvira, located in the South Kivu region, after the United States facilitated an agreement aimed at forcing the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels to leave the city.

Prince's forces assisted the Congolese military at that time in securing Uvira, while the M23 rebels still control large areas in the eastern part of the country.

The total number of troops and security personnel that Prince has deployed in Congo is unknown, but the September attack highlights the dangers faced by foreign forces participating in the conflict.

Prince previously founded the private military company Blackwater, which gained significant notoriety for its operations in Iraq. Some of its employees were pardoned by Trump in 2020 for the killing of Iraqi civilians.

The U.S. Department of State has previously stated that it has no agreement with Prince in Congo. However, U.S. officials have indicated that they plan to establish a close relationship with Vectus Global when it comes to operations in Haiti.

The Congo Conflict and Rwanda's Intervention

This attack comes as U.S. efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo still face major challenges.

The Trump administration mediated agreements aimed at reducing tensions between Congo and Rwanda, with the deal for the withdrawal of the M23 militia from Uvira being part of those efforts.

However, the conflict still persists in many parts of eastern Congo, particularly in areas rich in valuable minerals including gold, lithium, and tantalum.

The United Nations and Western countries accuse Rwanda of providing military support to the M23 group, and of having a direct influence on its leadership and operations. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

Fighting intensified significantly in early 2025, when the M23 militia seized large areas in eastern Congo.

On the other hand, the injury of Tim Kennedy has attracted the attention of U.S. media, as he is a former UFC fighter with popular online shows and millions of followers on social media.

Kennedy, a father of four, regularly discusses issues of politics, culture, and physical training. However, he did not disclose details about his trip to Congo prior to the attack.

The U.S. Department of State and Walter Reed Hospital have refrained from commenting on his injury, while his parents have not responded to requests for comment.