In December 1941, during Operation Crusader in World War II (and the two other operations affecting nearby Halfaya Pass) Sallum was the location of fighting between the British Empire and allied Commonwealth forces against German forces; the latter were retreating from gains they had made deeper into Egypt.
In December 1941, during Operation Crusader in World War II (and the two other operations affecting nearby Halfaya Pass), Sallum witnessed fierce battles between the British Empire and allied Commonwealth troops versus German forces; the Germans were retreating from their gains in Egypt's deeper regions.