Artillery fire rattles Goma as fighting escalates between army and M23 rebels

Explosions shook Goma, DR Congo, as fighting escalated between the army and M23 rebels. Schools closed, but businesses stayed open amid rising fear. The M23, backed by Rwanda, has nearly surrounded the city, complicating the army's efforts to regain control. Rwandan troops are positioned near Goma, while reinforcements from the Congolese army and international forces have arrived. Local militia fighters are also engaged in the conflict, with reports of soldiers retreating under fire. Civilians are observing the clashes from a distance. Shelling has hit displacement camps, killing at least two civilians and forcing families to flee into Goma. Over 100,000 displaced people are now crowded on the city's outskirts. The fighting has also disrupted power supply in parts of Goma.