GOMA, Congo (AP) — Authorities in Goma say five people were killed this week in shootouts linked to the increase in Congolese army troops here.

Since the beginning of May, the Congolese army has been fighting against a new group of rebels called M23. Thousands of troops were deployed to reinforce the army forces fighting the rebels.

The rise in troops around Goma has increased insecurity in the provincial capital. Residents report gunfire in the city virtually every night.

In the past week several people were killed, spreading fear throughout the city. Local authorities have instructed people to stay home after dark and the streets of Goma have become eerily quiet after 7 p.m.

A Congolese army spokesman denies the troops are to blame for the increase in violence in Goma.
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AP