KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A local Taliban leader, together with two of his subordinates, has been killed following an airstrike in southern Afghan province of Zabul, the country's defense ministry said Wednesday.

The air raid operation occurred in Shah Joy district Tuesday, killing Mohammad Naheem and two of his comrades, the ministry said in a statement.

However, the statement did not say whether the strike was launched by Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force or by the NATO and U.S.-led coalition troops.

The Afghan and coalition forces continued in mopping-up operations as spring and summer, known as the fighting season, is drawing near in the mountainous country.

The Taliban insurgent group, which has long been waging an insurgency, has yet to make comments.