The United Nations is threatening to forcibly disarm rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations has given members of the M23 militant group in the eastern city of Goma a deadline of today to turn in their weapons or face a military offensive. In a video statement, the head of the new U.N. force for the DRC, General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, said his troops will establish a new security zone surrounding Goma.

Gen. Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz: “The M23 has used indiscriminate fire, include by heavy weapons, resulting in civilian casualties. The M23 has also targeted U.N. installations with its fire. In light of the risks to the civilian population in Goma, Sake, MONUSCO will support the FARDC in establishing a security zone in Goma and its northern suburbs.”

The U.N. force is operating under an unprecedented Security Council mandate authorizing “offensive” capability against the rebel M23 and other groups operating in the DRC’s border regions with Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda has been accused of backing the M23’s operations in the DRC. On Wednesday, the Rwandan government said the U.N. ultimatum risks undermining ongoing peace talks in Uganda between the DRC government and M23 representatives.