Suspected Thai Muslim insurgents attack two families, killing 9 and injuring 9

Suspected Thai Muslim insurgents stormed two houses in a southern village early Wednesday and opened fire on the families with assault rifles, killing nine people and injuring nine others, police said.

About 10 armed men entered the homes in the Rangae district of Narathiwat province and killed four men, one woman and four children, police Lt. Jenwit Hunsiem said.

Nine others were admitted to the local hospital, police said.

Authorities had not yet entered the area where the attack occurred because a group of villagers had gathered and were blocking them from entering, Jenwit said, AP reported. V.A.