As the US war machine gears up for action, weapons inspections have been taking place across Europe. On 16.11, 80 civilian inspectors approached the Kattenberg Naval Base in Amsterdam to determine the extent to which the base was cooperating in preparations for an attack on Iraq. Two inspectors managed to get onto base terrain, where they were overpowered by military police, others in a boat engaged with the police on the water [photos].

On the same day, a delegation of the PVDA (Labour Party of Belgium) Youth occupied Antwerp City Hall, unrolling a banner saying 'No US troops in Harbour' and demanding clarification regarding the presence of US weapons in Antwerp Harbour. On 18.11 civilian weapons inspectors blocked Plymouth's Devonport dockyard, where the submarine Vanguard is currently in dock, and locked in for a 'die in' outside the gate. Police presence was huge, and seven people were arrested [report and pic].

A major weapons inspection is planned for 5.12 at USAF Lakenheath, in East Anglia, where it is believed there are at least 30 nuclear missiles, and where the US Department of Defense has declared a first-use policy. Another is planned for 14.12 at USAF Fairford in response to the arrival of US Stealth bombers.