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The United States has officially blamed Rwanda and the M23 rebel group for a deadly airstrike that targeted a displacement camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the tragic loss of at least nine lives, including seven children. The attack occurred on Friday at the Mugunga camp in Goma, a city in eastern DR Congo.

This accusation intensifies existing tensions, with Rwanda, known to border DR Congo, being frequently accused of supporting M23, a claim it vehemently denies. Rwanda’s government has dismissed the US's allegations as "ridiculous," defending the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as a professional entity that would not target civilian camps.

The US State Department cites evidence indicating the airstrike originated from areas controlled by the RDF and M23. In light of this attack, the US has expressed grave concerns regarding the escalation of military activities by the RDF and M23 in the region and has called for the adherence to international humanitarian law by all involved parties.

The conflict in eastern DR Congo has seen various factions, including rebel and government forces, accused of human rights abuses as they contest for control, notably in areas rich in minerals critical for modern technologies like mobile phones and electric vehicles.

The recent developments, including the capture of the town of Rubaya by M23 fighters, highlight the ongoing volatility and the complex interplay of local and international interests in DR Congo’s conflict zones. The US continues to urge all states to respect sovereignty and hold responsible any actors involved in human rights abuses within the region.