Hundreds of government troops backed by U.N. peacekeepers began flushing heavily armed Rwandan rebels from eastern Congo on Monday, destroying insurgent camps and sending smoke rising above the restive region. The operation in North Kivu province involving 2,000 Congolese troops and 500 peacekeepers was the first time Congo's government has used force against the Hutu rebels since a deadline for the departure of all foreign armed groups expired a month ago. At least a dozen rebels were captured.Residents in eastern Congo lauded the mission, saying the foreign fighters had stolen from locals and harassed them. "The Rwandans attacked us every day. They stole our sweet potatoes, peanuts and bananas. They even took our women," said Semikore Sebagabo, a 44-year old father of six. "My children have seen too much war, too much fighting, death and killing. It is time for it to end. We want peace now."