Matruh

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Matruh (mätrōō´), town (1986 pop. 43,157), NW Egypt, near the Mediterranean Sea. Built at the site of the Roman town of Paraetonium, it is located on the coast road and is on a railway that links small ports. There are petroleum and oil fields in Matruh's outlying region. During World War II several battles between German and British forces were fought nearby.