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Ex-UFC fighter shot in Congo ambush working as military contractor
NewsNation • • world
Key Points:
- Former UFC fighter and American commando Tim Kennedy is recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center after sustaining three gunshot wounds to his leg during a firefight with Rwandan-backed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo on September 17.
- Kennedy, a former Green Beret and military contractor, was reportedly working for Erik Prince's private security firm, Vectus Global, amid a conflict over control of resource-rich areas in Congo involving rare earth minerals, gold, and diamonds.
- The Congolese government is seeking foreign military contractors to counter rebels backed by Rwanda, highlighting the strategic importance of the region's natural resources for economic and military purposes.
- Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille explained that many special operations veterans become private military contractors due to their expertise and lucrative pay, often working in conflict zones like Congo to protect critical resources.
- Kennedy's MMA record was 18-6, with his last fight occurring in 2016 against Kelvin Gastelum.
