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Which countries fought in the North Africa campaigns during World War II?
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North Africa campaigns
Military drives, defensive lines, and key battles during the North Africa campaigns of World War II, 1940ā43.
The North Africa campaigns during World War II involved a series of battles for control of the region, primarily driven by the strategic importance of the Suez Canal and Middle East oil reserves.1
The conflict involved the following primary nations and forces:
- The Axis Powers: Italy and Germany were the primary combatants. Italian forces were active in the region from the start of their involvement in the war in 1940, and German forces, commanded by Erwin Rommel, were later deployed to support them. Additionally, Vichy French forces were present in North Africa and opposed the Allied landings during Operation Torch.123
- The Allied Powers: Great Britain led the initial defense of the region, supported by troops from the British Empire. The United States became a major participant following the launch of Operation Torch in 1942, a combined Anglo-U.S. invasion of northwest Africa.13
The campaigns were characterized by shifting control across territories including Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.32