Local media said there were clashes on several fronts in the eastern province of North Kivu.

The rebels are reported to have seized a number of villages, including Karuba which is around 30km (19 miles) from the regional capital Goma.

The army has accused M23 of shelling UN peacekeepers and Burundian soldiers from an East African force recently deployed in an effort to stop the violence.
The rebels say they want a peaceful solution but have the right to defend themselves if attacked.