The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has seized control of Lumbishi, a key mining settlement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to local sources.
This latest advance by the M23 comes amid intensified fighting in the region.
Residents reported that the armed group took control of Lumbishi on Saturday afternoon. They are now reportedly advancing towards other locations in the surrounding Kalehe territory.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has occupied significant portions of eastern DRC since 2021, fueled by support from Rwanda.
The recent escalation in fighting has displaced over 237,000 people since the beginning of January.
A planned summit aimed at halting the fighting between the DRC army and the M23 was canceled in December due to disagreements between the two sides.
This development further escalates the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, raising serious concerns about the humanitarian situation and regional stability.