Most of Iraq is now under a state of emergency as U.S. and Iraqi forces prepare for an expected all-out assault on the city of Fallujah.

The declaration is to last for 60 days and covers all but the Kurdish-run northern areas of the country.

Officials won't say whether the announcement is a signal of an imminent attack on the insurgent stronghold. However, they do say the "situation is worsening" there and that, "any obstacle will
be removed."

Officials won't say how the emergency rules would be applied. They said more details will be made public Monday.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press, All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.