Fighting in eastern Congo between M23 rebels and army moves toward Goma, airport

GOMA, Congo – Congo's army spokesman says fighting between M23 rebels and the army has moved closer to Goma, as a rebel spokesman declares they will spend the night in the capital of the North Kivu province.

Army spokesman Col. Olivier Hamuli says fighting has been going on since 6 a.m. Sunday and the frontline has moved about 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) away from Goma.

M23 rebel spokesman Col. Vianney Kazarama says the group will spend the night in Goma.

Local governor Julien Paluku says he has been evacuated from the city to Bukavu.

The M23 is a rebellion that started in April and May following the defection of Congolese army officers and troops.

U.N. attack helicopters targeted M23 rebels in eastern Congo on Saturday after fighting Thursday killed two army officers and 151 rebels.