Rebels backed by Rwanda captured more towns in eastern Congo on Wednesday as they moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region. The rebels advanced toward the center of South Kivu province after taking several towns,

Residents of Goma reported gunfire and shelling after rebels overran Congolese troops. U.N. officials estimated that more than 1 million displaced people were now inside the city.