U.N.: Rebels seize DRC military camp

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A Democratic Republic of Congo military camp was overrun Sunday by rebel forces in the country's North Kivo province, United Nations officials said.

U.N. officials said the rebels' seizure of the major military compound, along with a large gorilla park, came as heavy fighting occurred in the eastern province between government and rebel forces, CNN reported Sunday.

Gen. Laurent Nkunda had been leading rebel forces in the province against army troops and the intensifying conflict has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, CNN said.

The recent clashes follow the disintegration of a week-long cease fire.

A Virunga National Park official confirmed the rebel forces had managed to gain control of the park in eastern Congo and its gorilla facility. The facility houses 200 endangered gorillas.

"They have seized the entire gigantic infrastructure (of the park headquarters), which is strategically very close to the main road heading north into Goma," said park spokeswoman Samantha Newport told CNN.