Rebels from the Congolese M23 movement say they have entered the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Goma and taken control.
Sitting on the border with Rwanda and the shores of Lake Kivu, Goma is a vital trading and transport hub, home to more than a million people and within reach of mining towns supplying metals and minerals in high demand such as gold, tin and coltan.
The rebels say they now control the city, but the Congolese government says its troops still hold some key locations.
Heavy artillery and gunfire has been heard in the city throughout the day.
The M23 are led by ethnic Tutsis, who say they needed to take up arms to protect the rights of the minority group.
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