Former New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) lance corporal Justin Conaglen was killed during a deadly ambush in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on September 17, an incident that left at least eight people dead and around 20 others dead or wounded. The attack targeted a team of private military contractors linked to Vectus Global, a company tied to Blackwater founder Erik Prince, which was operating in the region to support efforts against mineral smuggling and corruption.
Conaglen, who had taken leave without pay from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in March before officially departing in August, was among the foreign contractors accompanying Congolese soldiers at the time of the ambush. The precise location of the attack remains undisclosed, but Reuters and the New York Times investigations have suggested a high likelihood of involvement by the Rwandan military or Rwanda-backed M23 rebel forces. Sources with knowledge of the event indicate attackers may have tracked a surveillance drone deployed by the contractors back to their position, contributing to the attack’s sophistication.
Former US Green Beret and mixed martial artist Tim Kennedy was also seriously wounded in the incident, sustaining three gunshot wounds to his leg. Kennedy was evacuated through Burundi to a hospital in Johannesburg before returning to the United States for ongoing care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center near Washington, D.C. Another foreign contractor was reported injured as well.
The ambush resulted in the deaths of several Congolese individuals, including at least seven security personnel, though it is unclear if civilians were among the casualties. A Congolese security source indicated that villagers may have been affected but details remain unconfirmed.
Vectus Global, contracted by the Congolese Finance Ministry, had been engaged in efforts to bolster government revenues through countermeasures against mineral smuggling, corruption, and tax fraud. Subsequent investigations by United Nations officials revealed the contract also included a covert military dimension, encompassing strategic advice, air support, and recruitment of former foreign military personnel.
Following the attack, Prince’s organization reportedly faced challenges securing adequate support and evacuation options from Congolese forces. The ordeal lasted several hours as wounded personnel, including Kennedy, awaited extraction. This ambush came shortly after a separate engagement earlier in September, in which seven Colombian contractors associated with Prince’s operations were reportedly killed.
The U.S. State Department declined to comment specifically on Kennedy’s condition due to privacy considerations, but emphasized the Trump administration’s support for peace initiatives, citing the Washington Agreements as a framework for resolving conflict in eastern DRC.
Conaglen’s body was repatriated to New Zealand last week. He was cremated on October 1, and a memorial service was held in his home region of Northland. The service was attended by family members and former soldiers from the NZSAS, who have offered support to Conaglen’s relatives during this time.
Efforts to obtain comment from Vectus Global have so far been unsuccessful, with the company declining to respond to inquiries from multiple news organizations. The role of the contractors and the full circumstances surrounding the operation remain subject to ongoing investigation.