Iraqi govt declares state of emergency

The Iraqi government today declared a state of emergency for 60 days throughout the country except for Kurdish-run areas of the north as US and Iraqi forces prepare for an expected all-out assault on rebels in Fallujah.

The announcement was made by government spokesman Thair Hassan al-Naqeeb at a press conference.

Al-Naqeeb did not give any details about how the emergency rules would be applied but said they would be announced tomorrow.

He also declined to say whether the announcement signalled an imminent attack on the insurgent stronghold Fallujah.

“We have seen the situation is worsening in this area,” he said. “Any obstacle will be removed.”

He said the government was committed to restoring order so that Iraq could hold national elections as planned by the end of January.