The NATO-led force in Afghanistan says a senior leader from the al-Qaida linked Haqqani network was killed in an airstrike in southeastern Khost province near the border with Pakistan.

The militant, known only as Dilawar, was killed Tuesday during the strike in the Musa Khel district. A statement says two of his associates were also killed in the strike.

NATO says Dilawar was a “principal subordinate' to Haji Mali Khan, the main leader of the Haqqani network in Afghanistan. It says he died exactly one week following Khan's capture.

The alliance accuses Dilawar of working with Khan to plan attacks against Afghan and coalition forces along the border area. The statement adds that he was also responsible for facilitating the movement of foreign fighters and weapons in the area.