A corregated metal sign reading "Danger Mines" at El Alamein. In the background, an unidentified soldier sits casually on the ground. One of the signposts has a skull and crossbones mounted on it, apparently constructed out of human remains.
A mine explodes close to a British artillery tractor as it advances through enemy minefields and wire to the new front line
The Western Desert Minefield is the largest landmine minefield from World War II. Egypt's Western Desert remains contaminated with an estimated 17 to 20 million landmines and unexploded munitions, remnants of the Second World War battles, particularly the Battles of El Alamein. The Western Desert, including areas around the Quattara depression and Alamein, became a battleground during World War II, with heavy fighting between Allied and Axis forces. The one of the most notable of sections of this minefield is called Hadayeq al-Shaiytan (The Devil’s Garden). It is where thousands have been killed or maimed by unexploded mines dating back to the Battles of El Alamein.[1]