March 23 (M23) rebels have seized control of Goma, a key city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, forcing thousands to flee, the BBC reported.
The United Nations stated that Goma's airport is no longer accessible for evacuations and several major roads around the city are blocked. Videos shared by residents show M23 fighters patrolling the streets. Local media reported that, after hours of gunfire and explosions, the city is now quiet.
Earlier, DR Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Thumba Nzez accused Rwanda of escalating the conflict by deploying troops to back the rebels. The UN announced that it is withdrawing non-essential staff from the area. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebels, to pull its forces from DR Congo.
