US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Rwanda’s president that Washington is deeply troubled by the fall of Goma to Rwandan-backed rebels. As fighting escalates, the US is urging the UN Security Council to take action to halt the offensive in eastern Congo.

Washington has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels take control of Goma.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Tuesday that Washington was "deeply troubled" by escalation in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the fall of the city of Goma to Rwandan-backed rebels. The call came as the United States urged the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday to consider measures to halt an offensive by Rwandan troops and M23 rebel forces in eastern Congo as a conflict there escalates.

In a statement, the US State Department said, "The Secretary urged an immediate ceasefire in the region, and for all parties to respect sovereign territorial integrity." It added, "Secretary Rubio stressed the United States is deeply troubled by escalation of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the fall of Goma to the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group."

Congo accused Rwanda of sending its troops over the border, while Rwanda said fighting near the border threatened its security, without directly commenting on whether its troops were in Congo.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the Congolese and Rwandan presidents on Tuesday over the escalating conflict that has killed several UN peacekeepers, a UN spokesperson said earlier.

With tensions rising and diplomatic efforts intensifying, the international community faces growing pressure to respond before the situation further deteriorates.

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