Tanzanian military vehicles hit by DR Congo rebels - sources

GOMA, DR Congo

Two Tanzanian military armoured vehicles have been hit by shells fired by M23 rebels in the Congolese town of Sake, witnesses have told our reporter.

A Congolese military source and an eye witness said the attack occurred on Thursday, leaving one Tanzanian soldier injured. A civilian has reportedly been injured as well.

However, the Tanzanian army spokesperson told the BBC that they were not aware of the attack.

Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi have sent troops to DR Congo under the banner of the 16-member regional bloc, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).

Sadc troops and the Congolese army have been battling M23 rebels since early February, particularly around Sake.

Two South African soldiers were killed in an attack earlier this month.

The Sadc mission replaced the East African Community force which Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi ordered to withdraw last year, accusing it of failing to push out the M23 from their positions.

Recently, the Congolese army has been advising residents to evacuate Sake. While some have chosen to stay, the majority have fled to the outskirts or to the main regional city, Goma 25km (15 miles) away.

According to the latest UN estimates, the recent fighting has forced 215,000 people to flee towards Goma, which already hosts approximately half a million refugees.