Islamabad:
Pakistan airdropped leaflets in South Waziristan on Monday, urging a leading tribe among the ranks of the Taliban to rise up against the militants and fight alongside the army in a major offensive.
Copies of the open letter from chief of staff General Ashfaq Kayani - headed with his picture, the Pakistani flag and military flag - were handed out to journalists at a news conference in Islamabad.
Pakistan's military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told reporters there was already infighting within the Taliban. "The aim of the army is to provide an opportunity to the Mehsud tribe to live in peace and tranquility," said the letter, adding, "I am confident they will raise a lashkar (tribal militia) to launch a decisive operation against these tyrannical elements."
As Pakistan pressed ahead with the assault on the country's main Taliban and al-Qaida stronghold, an army spokesman on Monday said 78 militants and nine soldiers had been killed since the offensive began.
"The forces are carrying out a successful operation. And we will complete the operation within the timescale," said Major General Abbas.