Hundreds of protesters in Italy occupied railway lines last week to stop military equipment being transported to American forces in the Gulf.

A small group of campaigners broke into the military zone near Pisa Airport. The protests coincided with a march against the war in the city. Politicians from Rifondazione and the Green Party say American forces based at the nearby Camp Darby have depleted uranium weapons.

Protesters have also occupied military trains in Vicenza.

The Interior Ministry has threatened to use "repressive methods" to stop campaigners blocking trains, although as yet these threats have not been translated into action.