ICRC delivers aid along DR Congo border

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- With a cease-fire holding, the International Committee of the Red Cross has expanded aid operations in the volatile Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While the situation remains tense in the east of DR Congo, the ICRC said Tuesday that aid operations are under way in between Nyamilima and Ishasha, DR Congo, near the border with Uganda, the ICRC reported.

More than 17,000 people have been forced from their homes between Nyamilima and Ishasha in DR Congo's North Kivu province after violence erupted between the rebel National Congress for People's Defense and government forces.

Officials say there is enough food and medical aid to cover their operation requirements for the next 10 days.

"The security situation remains highly unstable and is having an effect on all humanitarian activities over the long term," Luc Haas, head of ICRC activities in the city of Goma, said.

"In view of this major difficulty, we are doing everything we can to bring aid to the displaced. We are again reminding the warring parties that they have an obligation under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population and to facilitate the passage of relief supplies."