(Reuters) -Crowds fled as gunfire rang out at a rally held by the leader of the M23 rebel group, Corneille Nangaa, in Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Bukavu on Thursday, residents said.

Gunfire disrupted a rally by M23 leader Corneille Nangaa in Bukavu, escalating fears of regional conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbors. M23 claims territorial control and is attempting to establish order,

After the M23 Rwanda-backed rebels Feb. 16 occupied Bukavu, a second major city in mineral-rich eastern Congo, Catholic bishops and experts are warning this offensive in the provinces of North and South Kivu signals a clear intent to establish a permanent foreign country presence in the region.

Gunfire broke up a rally held by Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, in east Congo's second-largest city on Thursday, causing attendees to flee, residents said.

Crowds flee reported gunfire at a rally held by the leader of the M23 rebel group in Congo :: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo::There was no immediate information on who was shooting, or whether there were any deaths or injuries at the event organized by the force that has battled Congo's army and seized swathes of territory in the east since the beginning of the year.