Rwanda-backed rebels who have captured eastern Congo’s largest city say they plan to take their rebellion to the capital and seek to gain political power

The Rwandan-backed armed group M23 moved south as it closed in on a key military airport in DR Congo on Friday, a day after pledging to take the capital Kinshasa and as international criticism mounted.

Rebels backed by Rwanda captured more towns in eastern Congo as fighters moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region

Rebels appear to be edging closer to taking control of the key city of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo following reports that they had captured its airport. The Congolese government has insisted that it is still in charge as fighting in parts of the city continues.

In our news wrap Tuesday, a rebel group backed by Rwanda has claimed the critical Congo city of Goma, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting gender transition for anyone under the age of 19 and Oklahoma's Board of Education voted unanimously to require parents to provide proof of their child's immigration status when enrolling them in public schools.

Diplomatic missions, including the French Embassy, were targeted in Congo’s capital as violence escalates with a rebel offensive in eastern Goma. The attacks reflect growing instability and tensions between armed groups and the government in the region.