Over 200 European mercenaries who had been supporting the army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) crossed from the Congolese city of Goma (northeast) into Rwandan territory on Wednesday after surrendering to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group,

In just a few days, rebel fighters and Rwandan soldiers succeeded in taking the major city in eastern Congo. This lightning offensive was prepared in Kigali.

M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo were reported to have taken the key eastern city of Goma in fierce fighting with government forces that sent streams of refugees fleeing area communities.

Rwanda's government, led by President Paul Kagame, has been accused by the DRC and various international organizations of supporting M23, including providing military assistance, training, and logistical support.

Congolese rebels and allied Rwandan troops claimed on Monday to have captured the mineral-rich city of Goma, as thousands fled fighting that killed at least 13 peacekeepers over the weekend.

Rwanda-backed Congolese rebels from the M23 movement have announced the capture of the major city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Reports indicate casualties among international peacekeepers,