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ROME - The Defense Ministry says hundreds of soldiers have been deployed in cities across Italy as part of government measures to fight street crime.

In Rome, some 400 men and women are deployed at subway and railway stations and at an immigrant center. They are not expected to be immediately deployed in the capital's historic center.

In Milan, they are patrolling the Duomo cathedral and sensitive sites such as the U.S. consulate and the synagogue.

Lt. Col. Mario Busi says the deployment of soldiers — 3,000 in total — began Monday and will continue through the week.

The measure proposed by Premier Silvio Berlusconi's government was approved by parliament last month and will remain in effect for six months.

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