Saddam calls for Jihad in letter

US President George W. Bush, meanwhile, said the messages would only strengthen his resolve to fight terrorism.

Following the attack, a number of people in Fallujah chanted slogans in support of ousted strongman Saddam, toppled by US forces six months ago, and al-Qaeda, the Islamist militant group led by bin Laden.

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One witness described it as the first reaction to bin Laden's declaration.

In two "messages" to the Iraqi and American people aired by Qatar's Al-Jazeera television Saturday, a recorded voice claiming to be that of the al-Qaeda leader threatened to send suicide bombers to the United States and to attack any forces joining the coalition in Iraq.

Bush, in Bangkok for a state visit and an Asian economic forum, said the recording reinforced his resolve for Washington's "war on terror."

But another spectre emerged, as a letter purportedly from Saddam urged tribal leaders to launch holy war against the coalition and those who cooperate with them.

"I urge you to help your brothers in the resistance. Call the sons of your tribes to the jihad because the day of salvation is near," said the message, obtained by AFP.