It means the army and police will have more powers, and people might not be allowed out of their houses at night.

The government said it was in response to violence carried out by "criminals and terrorists" who wanted to stop the upcoming elections in the country.

The announcement came as 21 police men were killed by rebels in an attack on a police station in the city of Haditha.

Reports say dozens of attackers stormed the building.

The fighting apparently lasted for 90 minutes, and the rebels stole vehicles and weapons.

Meanwhile, thousands of American troops are waiting for orders to attack Falluja, west of Baghdad.

It's one of the rebels main cities, and the US want to drive them out.