The United States has began a psychological operation in Iraq, dropping mountains of leaflets and broadcasting messages to foment dissent among Iraqi soldiers and undermine support for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

"Soldiers of Iraq. Since the beginning of time, there has been no profession more honourable than that of a soldier...," a voice booms.

"Saddam has tarnished this legacy. Saddam uses the soldiers of Iraq ... as his own personal bodyguards," the message continues.

"Do not let Saddam tarnish the reputation of soldiers any longer. Saddam uses the military to persecute those who don't agree with his unjust agenda. Make the decision."

The message in Arabic is broadcast from C-130 aircraft or transmitted from neighbouring countries such as Kuwait, the US Central Command said.

The US propaganda effort is in line with the Bush administration's policy of encouraging the Iraqi soldiers to topple Saddam themselves or at least lay down their arms when the US war machine starts rolling in.

"The messages are broadcast daily," Pete Mitchell, a Centcom spokesman told AFP. Iraqi soldiers are referred to the radio frequencies by leaflets.

"The intent of the broadcast is to inform the Iraqi people of what the US is doing. The US intent is to try to counter the propaganda that the Iraqis give to their own people," he said.

The US has also pursued its psychological warfare through intense leaflet dropping campaigns over Southern Iraq.

The last leaflet drop -- the 10th in the last three months -- occurred early Tuesday around Ad Diwaniyah, approximately 120 km south of Baghdad, Ar Rumaytha, approximately 320 km southeast of Baghdad and Qawam Al Hamzah, approximately 240 miles southeast of Baghdad.

AP adds: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday that he did not yet see any justification for a military strike against Iraq now since Baghdad had not hampered UN weapons inspectors operating in the country.

In an interview with Israel's Army Radio, Annan said the United States should wait for a report from the weapons inspectors before launching any offensive.