But an official with the Frontier Constabulary, which operates in the area, said the villagers had been killed by militants.

NPR: Pakistanis Protest Killing Of 18 In Village Raid

An official with the Frontier Constabulary denied any involvement in the killings and said it was militants who had attacked the homes.

BBC: Asia

This week the recently rare sounds of arms were heard on the Borneo frontier of Malaysia with the Philippines, where an incursion by nationals of the latter was met with official guns of the former.

FORBES: Asia's Week: The Rare Rumble of Armaments