Albanian People’s Heroes in Yugoslavia
During the last year of the Second World War, Albanian partisans fought shoulder to shoulder with the peoples of Yugoslavia, pursuing the Hitlerite occupiers beyond Albania’s borders. In Montenegro, the Sandžak, Kosova, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, thousands of ANLA fighters distinguished themselves by their internationalist spirit and sacrifice — hundreds of them falling on Yugoslav soil as “people’s heroes.”
Foundational Statements
On sacrifice & internationalism“There is no force which can turn the blood of our heroes into water.”
“The decision to send two divisions of the National Liberation Army to pursue the German army in Yugoslavia has special political importance. In this way we assist the fraternal Yugoslav peoples in their heroic struggle for national liberation. On the other hand, with this act our people show that they are consistent in their anti-fascist war and that they will never cease it until the Hitlerite military machine is finally destroyed.”
Campaign Overview
Beyond the borders of AlbaniaAfter the liberation of Albania, by decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Albania and on the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Albanian Anti-Fascist National Liberation Army (ANLA), Enver Hoxha, the 5th and 6th Assault Divisions of the ANLA followed the Hitlerite invaders into the lands of Yugoslavia.
During 1942–1945, beyond the state borders of Albania, in Dibra and Macedonia, in Kosova and Montenegro, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than 20,000 ANLA fighters heroically fought against the Italian-German occupiers for the liberation of the Albanian brothers in Kosova and the peoples of Yugoslavia. The Albanian and Yugoslav soldiers, fighting shoulder to shoulder against the Nazi hordes, in December 1944 and in January-February 1945 liberated Montenegro, the Sandžak and the southern part of Bosnia. With their profoundly internationalist stand, their laudable behaviour and unparalleled heroism in battle, the Albanian partisans won the deep respect and admiration not only of the Albanian, but also of the Macedonian, Montenegrin and Sandžak populations of Yugoslavia as well. In the battle for the liberation of the peoples of Yugoslavia, hundreds of Albanian partisans laid down their lives.
Texts, Memoirs & Analyses
Historical, political & personal accountsMilitary Histories
Leadership & Remembrance
Special Missions & Aftermath
Into Yugoslavia
Marches, battles & liberation
Scenes from Battles in the Lands of Yugoslavia
5th Assault Division
Hero of the People5th Assault Division
On 20 January 1944, the 5th Assault Division was inaugurated in Tërbaç with fighters from the Vlora district. For its self-sacrificing and high heroism in the fight against the fascist invaders and traitors, it was awarded the title of “Hero of the People” with the following honours:
“For its self-sacrificing and high heroism in the struggle against the fascist invaders and traitors, for its outstanding contribution to the liberation of the Homeland and the establishment of people’s power.
“It has always fulfilled its great military and political tasks towards the people and the Party with unmatched bravery and unwavering loyalty, while at the same time demonstrating a deep spirit of proletarian internationalism when the Commander-in-Chief assigned it to go with other units of the National Liberation Army to assist in the liberation of the peoples of Yugoslavia…”
6th Assault Division
Hero of the People6th Assault Division
The 6th Assault Division was formed on 26 January 1944, with partisans from the Vlora–Gjirokastra operative zone. For its exceptional heroism and self-sacrifice in fulfilling its significant military and political duties, it was awarded the title “Hero of the People” with the following honours:
“For outstanding heroism and self-sacrifice in fulfilling its significant military and political duties, for its distinguished contribution to the liberation of the Homeland from fascist invaders and traitors, and the establishment of people’s power. It has consistently fought with rare courage and unwavering loyalty to the people and the Party, achieving brilliant victories over the enemies and always upholding the name of the National Liberation Army. It also performed its duty with honour and a deep spirit of internationalism, as assigned by the Commander-in-Chief to depart with other ANLA units to assist in the liberation of the peoples of Yugoslavia.”
