Malaysian troops attack Filipinos in northern Borneo standoff

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian troops Tuesday attacked a group of Filpinos occupying a town in the eastern state of Sabah for three weeks to press their ancestral land claim.

Explosions rocked Tanduo village in Lahad Datu town, 1,600 kilometres east of Kuala Lumpur, where an estimated 180 armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu have camped since February 12.

Residents in nearby villages fled the area as fighter jets and helicopters were seen flying overhead.

Eight Malaysian police commandos and at least 19 Filipino gunmen were killed in clashes between the two sides since Friday.//DPA