Fighting in eastern DR Congo kills 13 international peacekeepers as clashes with M23 rebels escalate

Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 international peacekeepers and foreign soldiers amid clashes with M23 rebels. The rebels have gained ground, encircling the city of Goma. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the escalating violence, moved up from Monday at Congo's request. The Congolese army, supported by U.N. and regional forces, claims to have repelled an M23 offensive toward Goma. Recent casualties include two South African and one Uruguayan peacekeeper, along with three Malawian soldiers. The U.N. peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, has been in Congo for over 20 years, with around 14,000 personnel deployed.