Two people have been killed and 10 others kidnapped by members of the Allied Democratic Forces in Kabasha area near the city of Beni in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
This comes in the wake of aerial assaults by Congolese forces targeting militia groups in Runyoni, Musangati, Chanzu and Bunagana in the troubled east.
There are reports that several villages seized by rebels in Rutshuru have been cut off leaving residents without access to food and emergency services.
More than 90,000 people have been displaced by renewed fighting in the region in the past few months, according to aid agencies.
The DR Congo government has accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23 group by providing them with logistical and financial support. Rwanda has repeatedly denied those allegations.
President Félix Tshisekedi last week urged the youth to form vigilance groups and join the army to protect the country against external aggression by armed groups.
