Rwandan-backed rebels captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo early Monday, according to a press release by the M23 rebel movement. The city's capture came following a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons.

Luggage on their backs, they trudged all Wednesday morning along the road leading to downtown Goma, fleeing the advancing fighters in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amid escalating violence, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advance on Goma, Congo, igniting international diplomatic pressure on Rwanda. The conflict has caused massive civilian displacement and grounded flights.