A Taliban commander Mullah Burhan and two of his bodyguards were killed in the militants'former bastion Marja district in the southern Afghan province Helmand, spokesman for provincial administration Daud Ahmadi said Thursday.

"Mullah Burhan along with some of his men were busy in making bombs in an abandont house in Marja district late Wednesday night but suddenly the device went off, killing three persons including Burhan," Ahmadi told Xinhua.

He added that Mullah Burhan was an important commander in Marja and adjoining areas.

The militants often make homemade bombs from explosive devices and use them in carrying out suicide and roadside bombings.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

Elimination of Mullah Burhan would further facilitate the government to strengthen its authority in Marja district regained in last February, Ahmadi asserted.