THE Congolese Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Laurent Kabila and their allies have launched an offensive in the east around Kindu, a strategic rebel-held town, sources said in Kinshasa on Wednesday. Government forces are aiming in particular to take control of the airport, about 15km from the town, sources said. The press in Kinshasa, meanwhile, reports that heavy fighting has erupted around Kindu, located 1200 from the capital. Government and military authorities refused to comment. Rebels backed by Rwandan troops captured the city on October 12 after a week-long battle.