In pictures: Thousands flee Congo fighting

Thousands of people in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been fleeing a new outburst of fighting between government troops and rebel forces.

Government troops near the Kibumba refugee camp have been pushed back by forces loyal to rebel general Laurent Nkunda.

Many of the people have already been displaced by previous fighting and have now fled to Goma,capital of North Kivu province, from the Kibumba camp.

The rebels, who say they are protecting the areas' Tutsi minority, have captured a major army camp at Rumangabo, near the border with Rwanda.

The UN mission in Congo has launched a counter attack in support of Congolese troops in an effort to block Gen Nkunda's troops from advancing on Goma.

Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes since fighting resumed in August following the breakdown of a peace deal between the government and various rebel groups.

The United Nations says many of the refugees are malnourished and some are dying of hunger.

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