Report: Clashes between govt., rebels kill 30 in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - A representative of civil society groups says at least 30 people have died, including civilians, in clashes between rebels and Congo's military in the country's east.

Omar Kavota said in a statement Monday that rebels from the Allied Defense Forces launched attacks on Sunday in Eringeti in Congo's North Kivu province. He said at least 10 people were injured and 43 houses were burned in the town 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Beni.

The area has been hit by repeated attacks by the rebels with origins in neighboring Uganda.

Kavota, the executive director of the rights group, said the clashes lasted 10 hours and killed civilians, rebels and a U.N. peacekeeper.

Eastern Congo is home to myriad armed groups, many vying for control of the region's vast mineral resources.