M23 rebels seize Sake near Goma in Congo crisis

Armed conflict intensified in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels captured the strategic town of Sake, just 27 kilometers from Goma, the region's major city of 2 million people. The sound of bombs echoed through Goma's outskirts as hundreds of wounded civilians were rushed to the main hospital.

The rebel group's advance marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with M23 seizing several towns west of Goma in recent weeks, including Minova, Katale, and Masisi. The capture of Sake represents the loss of one of the last major government-controlled routes into the provincial capital, which M23 previously occupied briefly in 2012.

The crisis has forced schools in Goma to close and sparked panic among residents. The conflict has already displaced more than 7 million people, contributing to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. In the past two weeks alone, over 178,000 people have fled the M23 advance.

Congo, the United States, and UN experts accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, a predominantly ethnic Tutsi group that separated from the Congolese army over a decade ago. While Rwanda denies these allegations, it acknowledged maintaining troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for security purposes. UN experts estimate up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are present in Congo.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the offensive, warning of its "devastating toll on civilian population" and increased risk of broader regional conflict. The situation has become so tense that Congo's communication minister suggested war with Rwanda as "an option to consider."

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued warnings about escalating armed conflict near Sake, advising its nationals to prepare for possible evacuation. The British government also updated its travel advisory, confirming M23's control of Sake and urging British nationals to leave Goma while roads remain open.

Local healthcare facilities, including CBCA Ndosho hospital in Goma, are overwhelmed with casualties as the conflict continues to intensify.