At least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers have been killed in ongoing clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo, as the group makes alarming territorial advances near the city of Goma.

Clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, according to United Nations and military officials, as reported by AP.

In recent weeks, M23 has made significant territorial gains, surrounding the eastern city of Goma, home to around 2 million people and a key regional hub for security and humanitarian operations.

In response to the escalating violence, the UN Security Council advanced its emergency meeting to Sunday morning (10 am EST), at Congo's request. The meeting had originally been scheduled for Monday.

On Saturday, the Congolese army reported successfully repelling an M23 offensive toward Goma with support from allied forces, including UN peacekeepers and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC).

Kate Hixon, Advocacy Director for Africa at Amnesty International US, told the Associated Press, "The Rwandan-backed M23 is clearly taking advantage of the U.S. presidential transition to push towards Goma, putting thousands more civilians in danger.

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