Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Congo claimed Friday to have seized a second airport in the region following a days-long advance, as the U.N. warned that the recent escalation of fighting with government forces has left 350,

M23 rebels in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo have captured the airport serving the key city of Bukavu as they continue their advance. The militants' progress comes despite international calls for a ceasefire and a resumption of peace talks.

The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group in Democratic Republic of Congo threatened on Tuesday to advance on the provincial capital of Bukavu, citing a "dangerously deteriorating" situation, as Congo rejected a call for direct talks with the rebels.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured a strategic airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo, expanding their stranglehold over the country’s mineral-rich eastern region.

The takeover of Bukavu would constitute an unparalleled extension of territory under the M23’s control, as well as a further blow to Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the collapse of Goma,

Trucks and cars full of Congolese soldiers carrying their weapons could be seen circulating in Bukavu, South Kivu province on Friday. It came as Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Congo claimed that they have seized a second airport in the region following a days-long advance.