Situation in Congo deteriorating, Red Cross

DAKAR, Senegal – The International Committee of the Red Cross says a new rebellion in eastern Congo has spread to remote and difficult-to-reach areas, causing the humanitarian situation to deteriorate significantly.

In a statement Friday, the Red Cross said the fighting has caused "many deaths and injuries." The violence, which was initially localized in two districts of North Kivu province, has spread to South Kivu province, including in Walungu, Shabunda and Kalehe territories.

Because of the remoteness of the area, victims have to be carried for hours on foot over slippery trails. Local clinics are being overwhelmed and are running out of supplies.

The most recent fighting began in April, after soldiers loyal to a renegade general wanted by the International Criminal Court began defecting from the army.