GOMA, Congo, October 27, SPA -- Thousands of refugees and soldiers arefleeing fighting in eastern Congo in what appears to be amajor retreat of government forces being attacked by rebelsof renegade Gen. Laurent Nkunda, Associated Press reported. Reporters watched soldiers in tanks, trucks, jeeps andcommandeered cars struggle to make their way through crowdsof fleeing civilians Monday. The soldiers were on the mainroad south from a major army base seized by rebels andmoving toward the provincial capital of Goma. Refugees burdened by sacks of belongings, goats and pigsthronged the road. U.N. officials say Nkunda's fighters blatantly launchedseveral rockets at peacekeepers in two armored cars Sunday. A spokesman for Nkunda on Monday denied responsibility forthe attack that injured several U.N. soldiers.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/601771