GOMA, Congo — Congo's army says fighting has resumed between government forces and M23 rebels in the east of the country following a three-day lull.
Army spokesman Col. Olivier Hamuli confirmed that fighting took place Monday at Kanyanja, a village 22 kilometers (14 miles) north of Goma, a strategic city on the border with Rwanda.
M23 occupied Goma last November after routing government forces, but withdrew in exchange for peace talks that have stalled. In clashes last week the army pushed the rebels back several kilometers from Goma.
A resident of Munigi village near Kanyanja, Isaac Warwanamiza, said the fighting was heavy with tanks and mortars being used. He said the rebels had started the exchange by shelling an army camp.
Rebel spokesman Vianney Kazarama denied the M23 started the fighting.
