The apparent target, head of the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary (FC) Abdul Majeed Marwat, reportedly escaped without serious injury.

BBC: Pakistani city of Peshawar hit by deadly blast

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

Nine soldiers and four members of the Frontier Constabulary, a force that polices parts of northwestern Pakistan, died during the battle, two security officials said.

WSJ: Militants Kill 23 at Pakistan Army Camp

Police officer Amjad Khan told the Associated Press the blast hit a platoon of 43 Frontier Constabulary troops in a truck near the police district headquarters.

CNN: Suicide blast kills 24 in Pakistan