Rwanda-backed rebels were expanding their presence in eastern Congo after capturing Goma, the region's major city, the U.N. said Friday, also expressing concerns over executions it learned were carried out by the rebels in recent days following a major escalation of their yearslong rebellion.

M23 rebels claim they now control the Congolese city of Goma—an act Congo's government described as a 'declaration of war.'

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN GOMA? After entering Goma on Monday night, the rebels faced pockets of resistance, particularly around strategic areas including the airport. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC),