Rwandan-backed rebels captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo early Monday, according to a press release by the M23 rebel movement. The city's capture came following a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons.

Fighting with M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo left six United Nations peacekeepers dead, UN officials said Saturday.

Amid escalating violence, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance on Goma, Congo, igniting international diplomatic pressure on Rwanda. The conflict has caused massive civilian displacement and grounded flights.