The Obama administration on Tuesday slapped sanctions on two senior leaders of the rebel M23 militant group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their role in the conflict in the African nation.

The Department of the Treasury targeted Baudoin Ngaruye and Innocent Kaina, both aged 34, for their involvement in the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the conflict and for leading a group that is impeding the "disarmament, repatriation or resettlement of combatants."

Ngaruye is also accused of targeting children in the conflict by means of killing, maiming and sexual violence -- all acts that violate international law.

The UN Security Council's DRC Sanctions Committee added Ngaruye and Kaina to its consolidated travel ban and asset freeze list on Nov. 30.

"M23 leaders Ngaruye and Kaina are responsible for carrying out terrible acts of violence against civilians and children in the DRC," said Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

"We will continue to work with our partners in the international community to bring about an end to this conflict," he said in a statement.

Washington hit Sultani Makenga, M23's military leader, with sanctions last month.

The M23 rebellion started in April, when a militia that had been integrated into the DRC armed forces mutinied. The militant group has since operated in the eastern part of the country, which is rich in mineral resources.

The rebels took Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province, last month, but withdrew days later in order to begin negotiations with the government.

Talks aimed at ending fighting in the eastern part of the country have been extended till Dec. 31.