Islamabad, Pakistan ? Afghan rebel commander Gulbuddin Hekmatyar said he was proud the United States had branded him a terrorist and echoed Osama bin Laden’s call for suicide attacks against Americans, according to a statement obtained Sunday by The Associated Press.

Calling the United States the “big Satan of the world,” Hekmatyar, a former Afghan prime minister, also vowed jihad against U.S. troops in Afghanistan. American forces are combing parts of eastern Afghanistan for Hekmatyar, his loyalists and Taliban and al-Qaida fugitives.

“I am thankful to Almighty God that the United States of America thinks I am a terrorist. It is a matter of pride for me that such a strong country wants to punish me for the sake of my holy religion, Islam,” the statement attributed to Hekmatyar said.

“I ask the Muslims of the world to wage a guerrilla war by using suicide attacks,” the statement said.

The Pashtu-language statement was provided to the AP by a security officer in Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e-Islami group at an Afghan refugee camp in northwest Pakistan. Hekmatyar’s signature was confirmed by a former member of his group.

The statement urged Iraq to respond with suicide bombings if the United States attacks.

“I say to Iraqi people do not be afraid. I know war is being imposed upon you. You should ready yourself to carry out suicide attacks,” the statement said. “History shall prove that if the Iraqi people remain united they shall find honor in conquering the USA.”

The former Hezb-e-Islami member, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared for his life, said Hekmatyar was seen in Afghanistan’s eastern Kapisa province two weeks ago and has been shuttling between Kapisa and the nearby regions of Nangarhar, Laghman and Kunar.

U.S. special forces are stationed in Kunar, where Hekmatyar is believed to have a significant force. A Western diplomat in the Afghan capital, Kabul, said Kunar was of particular concern because of its proximity to neighboring Pakistan and high peaks where fighters can hide.

U.S. troops there have come under regular attack.