The source and nature of the blasts are unclear, but local media outlets claimed that they were caused by aerial bombs.

The city is under threat from the M23 rebels, who are accused of receiving support from Rwanda and have seized control of key roads leading to Goma.

The rebels have been fighting the DRC government forces since April 2012, sparking a humanitarian crisis in the region. South Africa has deployed nearly 3 000 troops to help the DRC government in its war against the rebels.

Two South African soldiers were killed and three others injured last week in a mortar attack that the authorities blamed on the rebels. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called for a political solution to the conflict, saying that military intervention alone will not resolve it.

--ChannelAfrica/Reuters--