The government of Zimbabwe, which has troops fighting in support of President Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo, says Congolese forces have captured two key towns from rebels.

A statement issued in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, said the towns seized were Fizi in the east, and Businga in the north.

The statement said allied forces had also carried out air strikes along the Congo river, causing heavy rebel casualties.

There's been no independent confirmation of the reports.

Zimbabwe has eight-thousand troops fighting alongside Angolan, Chadian and Namibian forces supporting President Kabila against rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda.