North and South Korean warships trade warning shots Tuesday after a patrol vessel from the North momentarily crossed a disputed western sea border.

According to a South Korean news agency, the incident occurred at 10 a.m. (03:00 BST) as the two war vessels fired artillery into the sea along the border of Yeonpyeong island, 3 kilometers from the Yellow Sea border.

Like Us on Facebook

No human casualties and damages to the ships were reported in both Korean ships during the incident.

According to an official who requested anonymity, the South Korean vessel initially sent "warning messages before firing a warning shot" when their North Korean counterpart responded with their own shots.

After several exchanges of artillery directed at the sea, the North Korean ship soon withdrew and returned to its side of the disputed waters.

However, the exchanges, which occurred three days after North Korean officials made an unannounced visit to the South, were not seen to deter the upcoming talks between the two Koreas.

On Monday, South Korean President Park Geun-hye emphasized the need for regular talks between the two nations to improve ties between them.

In recent years, the North and the South rivals remained in an unfriendly state since the Korean War ended in an armistice without a peace treaty.

About two weeks ago, a similar incident occurred between the two rival Koreas.

In March this year, North Korea had initiated an exchange of warning shots into the same waters after it announced that it would hold five live-fire drills along the border area.

The South responded after North Korean artillery shells landed on its side of the border, making good with its word that it would not hesitate to retaliate should any of the North's missiles cross their side.

TagsNorth Korea, Divided regions, Political geography, Korean maritime border incidents