Rebels backed by Rwanda captured more towns in eastern Congo on Wednesday as they moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region. The rebels advanced toward the center of South Kivu province after taking several towns,

By Yassin Kombi and Sonia Rolley GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Rwandan-backed rebels strengthened their control over east Congo's largest city, Goma, on Wednesday as columns of Romanian mercenaries hired to fight for Congo entered Rwanda under tight supervision by Rwandan security forces.

The leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda are meeting at an emergency East African summit in Kenya on Wednesday as M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, tighten their grip on the strategic eastern city of Goma.

Diplomatic missions, including the French Embassy, were targeted in Congo’s capital as violence escalates with a rebel offensive in eastern Goma. The attacks reflect growing instability and tensions between armed groups and the government in the region.

M23-led rebels say they control Goma Some army and pro-government militia still holding out UN says peacekeepers are sheltering at bases In capital Kinshasa, protesters attack embassies GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo,