LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Air raids against illicit drug centers in the poppy growing southern Helmand province have left 13 Taliban fighters dead, said a statement of Miwand Army Corps released here on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the airstrikes conducted in the troubled Khanshin district on Tuesday killed 13 Taliban insurgents and destroyed their drug stores.

According to the statement, 3,400 kg of opium poppies were also destroyed in the air raids.

Taliban militants who have always rejected their link to drug business, haven't commented on the report.