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Erik Prince

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UFC Veteran Tim Kennedy Wounded in Congo Ambush Linked to Erik Prince's Firm
military-and-security2 days ago

UFC Veteran Tim Kennedy Wounded in Congo Ambush Linked to Erik Prince's Firm

Former UFC fighter and Green Beret Tim Kennedy was shot three times in the leg during a September 17 ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was working for Vectus Global, a private military firm led by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, on a contract to protect mining revenues and collect taxes for the Congolese government. The attack killed former New Zealand special operations soldier Justin Conaglen and resulted in approximately 20 casualties. Kennedy has been medically evacuated to the United States and is reported to be in stable condition, though details of the incident remain unconfirmed by official channels.

via MMA Mania|
#congo-conflict#erik-prince#military-and-security
Ambush in Congo Wounds UFC Star Tim Kennedy, Kills New Zealand Soldier
world-news2 days ago

Ambush in Congo Wounds UFC Star Tim Kennedy, Kills New Zealand Soldier

A September 17 ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province resulted in approximately 20 casualties, including the death of a former New Zealand Special Air Service soldier and the wounding of former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy. The incident involves private military contractors linked to Erik Prince’s company, Vectus Global, which operates under a contract with the Congolese government. While the New York Post and Reuters report that Rwandan-backed M23 rebels likely tracked a surveillance drone to locate the target, the New York Times emphasizes the secretive nature of Prince’s expanding role in the region. Kennedy, who suffered three gunshot wounds to the leg, was evacuated to the United States, while the New Zealand soldier, identified by the NZ Herald as Justin Conaglen, was repatriated for burial. The attack highlights the growing involvement of private security firms in the resource-rich but conflict-plagued eastern Congo, raising questions about the boundaries of state sovereignty and private military operations.

via New York Post|
#democratic-republic-of-congo#erik-prince#m23-rebels
Green Beret and MMA Star Tim Kennedy Wounded in Congo Ambush That Killed NZ Veteran
military-and-conflict3 days ago

Green Beret and MMA Star Tim Kennedy Wounded in Congo Ambush That Killed NZ Veteran

Former UFC fighter and Army Green Beret Tim Kennedy was reportedly wounded in a September 17 ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo that killed a former New Zealand special operations soldier. The incident involves private military contractors linked to Erik Prince’s Vectus Global, which operates a contract with the Congolese government to protect mining revenues and combat smuggling. While Kennedy was medically evacuated to the United States, the New Zealand veteran Justin Conaglen was killed, and a third contractor was also injured. Details remain unconfirmed by official sources, but former Delta Force operator Brent Tucker described the event as an ambush on a three-man element.

via Stars and Stripes|
#democratic-republic-of-congo#erik-prince#justin-conaglen
Prince-backed Swarmer rockets on Nasdaq debut with 520% surge
business6 months ago

Prince-backed Swarmer rockets on Nasdaq debut with 520% surge

Swarmer, a drone-software maker chaired by Erik Prince, surged about 520% on its Nasdaq debut after pricing at $5, opening at $12.50 and closing at $31, giving it a market value around $380 million. Prince joined Swarmer as chair in December 2025 and holds options to buy about 940,000 shares at $6.27, vesting over time and on revenue milestones. The company says its AI can control up to 690 drones per operator and its software has been used by Ukraine’s military since 2024. Swarmer posted roughly $310,000 in revenue for the year and a net loss of about $8.5 million. The IPO comes as the US shifts toward domestic drone production after policy steps curbing foreign-made drones, underscoring growing importance of drone tech in modern warfare.

via Financial Times|
#business#drones#erik-prince
Unplugged Launches Privacy-Focused UP Phone Made in the USA
technology1 year ago

Unplugged Launches Privacy-Focused UP Phone Made in the USA

Unplugged, co-founded by Erik Prince of Blackwater fame, has released a privacy-focused smartphone called UP Phone, with plans to manufacture it in the US later this year. The phone features privacy-centric hardware and software, including a hardware switch to disable power completely, and costs $989 with a subscription service. Despite its relaunch, the hardware remains similar to the original model, which was criticized as a scam.

via The Verge|
#erik-prince#made-in-usa#privacy-features
US tightens export controls on flight training for Chinese military pilots.
politics3 years ago

US tightens export controls on flight training for Chinese military pilots.

The US has added 43 entities, including Frontier Services Group and the Test Flying Academy of South Africa, to an export control list for training Chinese military pilots and other activities that threaten US national security. Companies on the list are restricted from receiving US exports for activities deemed contrary to US interests. The new listings include Frontier Services Group sites in China, Kenya, Laos and the United Arab Emirates; TFASA units in South Africa, China, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom; and aerospace and defense conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) entities in China and South Africa.

via Reuters|
#erik-prince#export-control#human-rights-abuses
US tightens export controls on flight training for Chinese military pilots.
politics3 years ago

US tightens export controls on flight training for Chinese military pilots.

The US has added 43 entities, including Frontier Services Group and the Test Flying Academy of South Africa, to an export control list for training Chinese military pilots and other activities that threaten US national security. Companies on the list are restricted from receiving US exports for activities deemed contrary to US interests. The new listings include Frontier Services Group sites in China, Kenya, Laos and the United Arab Emirates; TFASA units in South Africa, China, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom; and aerospace and defense conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) entities in China and South Africa.

via Yahoo News|
#erik-prince#export-control#human-rights-abuses