The United Nations Security Council on Sunday demanded that M23 rebel forces stop an ongoing offensive and advance towards Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and that "external forces" in the region immediately withdraw.

The UN chief Antonio Guterres said Rwanda was backing M23 rebels as they advance towards the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. DW has more.

Heavy fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo has forced thousands to flee as the M23 rebel group, accused of receiving Rwandan support, closes in on the city of Goma. With escalating violence disrupting humanitarian efforts and grounding flights,

A Sky News team was attacked in Goma because people fleeing the escalating conflict thought they were Rwandan - giving a small glimpse of the panicked civil unrest in the city.

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday called for the United Nations to sanction Rwanda, accusing its neighbour of issuing a "declaration of war" by sending more troops over the border. Kinshasa said the reinforcements were joining fighters with the Rwandan-backed M23 force closing in on Goma, capital of DRCongo's North Kivu province.

The United Nations Security Council has called for an end to M23 rebel forces' offensive towards Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo and urged regional 'external forces' to withdraw. They also expressed concern over GPS jamming affecting civil aviation and humanitarian aid delivery in North Kivu.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of fuelling the rebellion.

Fighting has escalated sharply in recent weeks in eastern Congo, where rebels have seized key towns and are closing in on the city of Goma, the government’s last stronghold in the North Kivu province,

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of fuelling the rebellion. At least 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in the DRC have been killed in clashes with M23 rebels,

Violence in eastern Congo is escalating. Near the city of Goma in North Kivu, 13 peacekeepers were killed by M23 rebels. Congo has broken off relations with Rwanda. The North Kivu region is rich in gold and coltan.

Nine United Nations peacekeepers in eastern Congo sustained injuries during fighting with the M23 armed group, the U.N. said, as the rebels close in on Goma.