KABUL, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two insurgents of the Taliban outfit were killed and nine others arrested in southern province of Helmand, Afghan Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"Two Taliban were killed and nine insurgents arrested following airstrikes and cordon operations in Nad Ali and Garmser districts, Helmand province Saturday," the ministry tweeted.

The ministry did not provide information about the arrested, adding that the captured were handed over to concerned departments for further questioning.

Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.

The Taliban insurgent group, which has been waging an insurgency of more than 16 years, has yet to make comments.