Fighting has escalated sharply in recent weeks in eastern Congo, where rebels have seized key towns and are closing in on the city of Goma, the government’s last stronghold in the North Kivu province,

Laden with just the possessions they can carry, thousands of displaced people have reached the outskirts of the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fleeing a rapid M23 rebel advance that has taken more territory than ever before.

Armed rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have closed in on Goma, a major city in the country. This comes as thousands have fled their homes to escape the violence. NBC News' Kier Simmons has more on the invasion.