Iraq Declares State Of Emergency

News.com.au:

The Iraqi government today declared a state of emergency for 60 days as US and Iraqi forces prepare for an expected all-out assault on rebels in Fallujah.

Heavy explosions were heard in Baghdad as the announcement was being made by government spokesman Thair Hassan al-Naqeeb at a press conference.

Al-Naqeeb did not give any details about how the emergency rules - effective throughout the country except for Kurdish-run areas of the north - would be applied but said they would be announced tomorrow.

At least 10,000 American troops have sealed off the city of Fallujah. Last night, air strikes continued to pound terrorist strongholds in preparation for a major attack.