The UN reports that two camps for displaced people near the city of Goma were targeted, with thousands seeking refuge there from the conflict in surrounding areas.

Bomb attacks targeting two displaced people's camps in eastern Congo have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 12 individuals, including children, as reported by the UN.

According to a statement from the UN, the bombs struck the camps situated in Lac Vert and Mugunga, near Goma city, constituting what the organization termed as a "flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law," potentially amounting to war crimes.

In recent months, a rebel group known as M23 has intensified its offensive, pushing closer to Goma city, compelling thousands to seek sanctuary within the city from the surrounding areas.

Save The Children, an aid group, recounted being present at one of the camps when shells landed dangerously close to a bustling marketplace just before their vehicle. The organization noted numerous injuries, predominantly among women and children, with the exact death toll still uncertain.

Jean Jonas Yaovi Tossa, a UN spokesperson, confirmed that at least 12 individuals had lost their lives, with over 20 others sustaining injuries in the attacks.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ndjike Kaiko, a spokesperson for the Congolese army, attributed the bombings to M23, which is suspected of having ties to neighboring Rwanda.

However, in a statement released on X, the M23 rebel group refuted any involvement in the attacks and instead accused Congolese forces of being responsible.

Congo's president, Felix Tshisekedi, who was on a trip to Europe, opted to return home on Friday following the bombings, as stated by his office.

Tshisekedi has consistently accused Rwanda of destabilizing Congo by supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. UN experts, along with the US State Department, have also implicated Rwanda in backing the rebels.

During a joint press conference with Tshisekedi in Paris earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 group.

The recent bombings occurred after the M23 group seized control of the strategic mining town of Rubaya, which holds significant tantalum deposits extracted from coltan, a crucial component in smartphone production.

The US strongly denounced the bombings, attributing the attack to positions held by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the M23 rebel group. The State Department emphasized its deep concern over the RDF and M23's expansion in eastern Congo, urging both parties to uphold human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law.

The prolonged conflict in eastern Congo has led to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with over 100 armed groups vying for land and control of valuable mineral mines. Some groups claim to be defending their communities, yet many are accused of committing mass killings, rapes, and other human rights abuses.

The violence has forced approximately seven million people to flee their homes, with many unable to access humanitarian aid.