Nkunda forces targeted by DRC army

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Democratic Republic of Congo's army has begun advancing into territory filled with troops loyal to rebel leader General Laurent Nkunda.

The BBC reported Saturday that following the army's recent success in the town of Mushake, its forces have continued their assault on rebel compounds in the surrounding mountains.

The town in the North Kivu Province was a noted rebel headquarters, but was overtaken by army forces Wednesday.

Nkunda, a former military officer in the Congo's armed forces, has pledged to defend all Tutsis from Hutu extremists.

A BBC correspondent said that thanks to the army's success, its troops have taken control of a key mountainous position that could allow them to flank the remaining rebel forces.

A rebel spokesman said Saturday that despite the government's claims, rebels had successfully held off an army advance and would continue to defend the remaining rebel strongholds and their civilian populations.