In response to the crisis , and the poor state of Axis forces Military_operation , reinforcements for the German `` Afrika Korps '' , Italian Army and `` Luftwaffe '' were dispatched Sending by sea and air .

However , Axis supplies Supply were still reaching Arriving the besieged Besieging `` Afrika Korps '' by air .

While Allied divisions were being diverted Removing from North Africa , the Italians reinforced Cause_change_of_strength their positions and were supported Supporting by the arrival Arriving of the German `` Afrika Korps '' under `` Generalleutnant '' Erwin Rommel .

The Sirte , Tmed Hassan and Buerat strongholds were reinforced Cause_change_of_strength from Italy , which brought Bringing the 10th and 5th armies up to about German reinforcements were sent Sending to Libya to form Coming_to_be a blocking detachment ( ) under Directive 22 ( 11 January ) , these being the first units of the `` Afrika Korps '' ( `` Generalleutnant '' Erwin Rommel ) .