Intense tension in Congo, 73 more killed, more than 80 injured

Goma: Intense fighting continues in the Congolese city of Goma, where another 73 people were killed and more than 80 were injured in fierce fighting between rebels and security forces.

According to media reports, the death toll in six days has reached 773, while 2,880 people have been injured.

The Congolese government says Rwandan-backed rebels are trying to control the mineral region.

It is pertinent to note that a UN spokesman said on Friday that fierce fighting is ongoing in Goma, the capital of the Republic of Congo's North Kivu province, with the death toll rising.

A Rwandan-backed armed group has captured the largest city in the east of the country, Goma, and is advancing south as volunteers and the struggling Congolese army try to defeat them.