WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- American intelligence officials are trying to seek cooperation from Afghan warlords and chieftains in the U.S.-led war against Taliban insurgents, the Washington Post reported on Friday.

    "While the CIA has a long history of buying information with cash, the growing Taliban insurgency has prompted the use of novel incentives and creative bargaining to gain support in some of the country's roughest neighborhoods," the U.S. leading newspaper quoted unidentified officials as reporting in its story entitled "Little blue pills among the ways CIA wins friends in Afghanistan."

    Blue pills stand for Viagra which is used to treat erectile dysfunction or impotence in men.

    In their efforts to win over Afghan warlords and chieftains, CIA operatives "have used a variety of personal services. These include pocketknives and tools, medicine or surgeries for ailing family members, toys and school equipment, tooth extractions, travel visas, and occasionally, pharmaceutical enhancements for aging patriarchs with slumping libidos.

    "Whatever it takes to make friends and influence people -- whether it's building a school or handing out Viagra," one CIA operative who directly involved in such operations was quoted as saying.

    The CIA declined to comment on methods used in clandestine operations.