Democratic Republic of Congo’s M23 rebels have seized the eastern town of Minova, a main supply route for the provincial capital Goma, a rebel leader and the provincial governor said on Tuesday.

The Tutsi-led M23 group has been waging a renewed insurgency in the Central African country’s east since 2022. Congo and the United Nations accuse neighbouring Rwanda of backing the group with its own troops and weapons. Rwanda denies this.

“Minova is in our hands,” said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the anti-government Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23.

The fall of the town could put the key eastern city of Goma, around 40 km (24.85 miles) away, in the rebels’ sights. The town’s capture was confirmed by provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi.

A civilian in Minova, who asked not to be named, told Reuters that the rebels had entered the town at around 5:30 a.m.

The sound of heavy weapons was heard in the neighbouring city of Goma, a Reuters witness said.