LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, May 22 (Xinhua) -- As many as 16 militants loyal to the Taliban group, including one of their local leaders have been killed following series of airstrikes in Afghanistan southern province of Helmand, a local official said Wednesday.

The air raids took place in Marja and Sangin districts of the province on Tuesday, leaving 16 Taliban militants including one of their local leaders named Mullah Hamza alias Dulgay Mishar dead, provincial governor's spokesperson Omar Zawak said.

Five of the militants' hideouts have also been destroyed during the raids, the official asserted, adding that operation targeting militants' hideouts would continue.

Zawak said no casualties inflicted on the government forces or civilians during the raids.

Taliban militants fighting government forces in the region have yet to make comment on the report.