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UFC fighter Tim Kennedy shot three times in Africa ambush that left at least 20 dead or wounded: Report
Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy was shot three times during a deadly Congo ambush that reportedly left at least 20 casualties/ Image: Instagram@timkennedymma
Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy has been shot three times in the leg during an ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in an attack that reportedly left at least 20 people dead or wounded. The former American soldier was working with a private military and security company when the incident unfolded, and he was evacuated to the United States for treatment after the attack.
Tim Kennedy shot during deadly ambush in Congo
Kennedy was reportedly working for Vectus Global, a private military and security company led by Erik Prince, when the team came under attack on September 17.According to Reuters, the personnel were carrying out an operation intended to protect mining revenues, combat smuggling and collect taxes for the Congolese government. The team was reportedly travelling between locations when the ambush took place.Sources working with the Congolese government said around 20 people were killed or wounded in the attack, with seven Congolese nationals and Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand’s elite Special Air Service, reportedly among those killed. Local villagers may also have been among the casualties.One source suggested that Rwandan forces backing rebel groups might have tracked the team using a surveillance drone before launching the attack, although that account has not been independently established in the supplied reporting.Kennedy was shot three times in the leg but remains in stable condition, according to the reports. After the attack, he was evacuated through Burundi and Johannesburg in South Africa before returning to the United States, where he has been receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington.Vectus Global also operates in Haiti and other parts of Africa, and has been involved in supporting Congolese government operations, including efforts to help the army secure Uvira in South Kivu from Rwanda-backed rebels.
Kennedy’s military background and UFC career
Kennedy served in the US military before establishing himself as a professional mixed martial arts fighter, bringing his military experience into a career that included three years competing in the UFC.He fought in the organisation between July 2013 and December 2016, compiling a record of three wins and two defeats during that period.
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The American middleweight faced several prominent opponents during his UFC career, including Yoel Romero and Kelvin Gastelum, both of whom defeated him. He later moved away from regular competition, although he has remained involved in conversations about combat sports and military service.Kennedy is also a father of four and has developed a following through his social media accounts, where he discusses politics, culture, fitness and his experiences in the military.He runs a YouTube podcast featuring conversations with former UFC fighters, military veterans and other public figures, and has appeared several times on The Joe Rogan Experience, discussing his experiences as a military sniper and his time competing in professional fighting.
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