Russian border guards have detained another 64 North Koreans for illegal fishing in Russia's exclusive economic zone in the Far East, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Wednesday.
"The FSB border department for Primorsky Krai stopped on October 1 and October 2 poaching activities of 64 North Korean citizens on four schooners in Russia's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan," the FSB said in a statement.
The border guards opened fire at one vessel during the detention over poachers' disobedience, and a fire broke up, leaving five North Koreans injured, the FSB added.
"The crew, comprising 21 North Korean citizens, has been evacuated. Five poachers have been injured. They have received necessary medical assistance," the FSB said.
The incident is one of several that occurred in the region in recent days with a total of 64 North Korean poachers being arrested and 4 vessels being seized.
In mid-September, North Korean fishermen were caught poaching in Russia's exclusive economic zone and resisted arrest. The clash with the armed poachers left four border guards wounded and one of the fishermen dead.