It is the first time the UN has given an offensive mandate to its troops.

BBC: UN combat force to target DR Congo rebels

For logistical reasons the African force already approved by the UN was not expected to even begin its offensive before September or October, the BBC's Barbara Plett reports from the UN in New York.

BBC: Mali crisis: UN calls for 'swift deployment' of troops

Demonstrators are angry that the 17, 000-strong UN force has not better protected them against an offensive by rebel forces.

BBC: UN joins battle with Congo rebels

Israel says it is delaying the expansion of its ground offensive in southern Lebanon to give the UN Security Council more time to come to an agreement on a cease-fire.

NPR: Israel Delays Expansion of Lebanon Offensive

UN-led country-building just as the military offensive did.

ECONOMIST: Special report

On Friday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the Syrian government to halt its offensive and demanded a clear statement that chemical weapons would not be used under any circumstances.

BBC: Syria army mounts air and land attack on Aleppo

The UN Security Council has approved the creation of a special combat force to carry out "targeted offensive operations" against armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

BBC: UN combat force to target DR Congo rebels

Thousands of African troops, deployed under a UN Security Council resolution, are due to join Malian and French forces to help push back the rebels' offensive.

BBC: Mali crisis: Situation 'serious concern' for UK