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Desert warfare

Desert warfare is warfare in deserts or similar arid or semi-arid environments. The term encompasses military operations affected by the terrain, climate, and resource availability of these areas, as well as the strategies and tactics used by military forces in these situations and environments.

Desert warfare is distinct from other types of warfare in other environments and terrains, in that the desert is generally considered very inhospitable. The hot temperatures in the day and the cold temperatures in the night, the scarcity of food, water, and plant life, and the lack of cover and concealment, affect how military forces operate in desert environments. The heat and lack of water can sometimes be more dangerous than the enemy.

Health effects[edit]

Body temperature[edit]

In desert warfare, an individual's body temperature can reach unusual highs causing fever-like weakness and dehydration.[5]

Dehydration[edit]

An individual may have to face conditions of dehydration in desert warfare because of the lack of edible fluids and clean water.[5]

Fatigue[edit]

Fatigue and bodily stress caused by the heat can cause very serious discomfort.[5]

Glare[edit]

Sunlight can irritate eyesight or reduce visibility.[5]

(924)

Hajj caravan raid

(1757)

Hajj caravan raid

(1798)

Battle of the Pyramids

(1898)

Battle of Omdurman

(1903)

Battle of El-Moungar

(1917)

Battle of Beersheba

(1942)

Battle of Gazala

(1942)

First Battle of El Alamein

(1942)

Second Battle of El Alamein

(1965)

Battle of Asal Uttar

(1971)

Battle of Longewala

Information site on Desert warfare, Iraq war

Desert warfare: German experiences in WWII - Combined arms Research library