| Conflict: | North Epirote Insurgency In Southern Albania |
| Partof: | World War II in Albania |
| Date: | September 1939 - November 1944 |
| Place: | Epirus, Southern Albania, Northern Epirus, Albania, Çamëria, Thesprotia, Greece |
| Result: | Albanian victory
|
| Territory: | Albanian occupation of Çamëria |
| Combatant1: | Balli Kombëtar LANÇ |
| Combatant2: | Albania Supported by: ---- Këshilla |
| Combatant3: | Northern Epirus Liberation Front EDES ---- Supported by |
| Commander1: | Enver Hoxha Spiro Moisiu Mehmet Shehu Haxhi Lleshi ---- Midhat Frashëri Ali Këlcyra Xhem Hasa Safet Butka |
| Commander2: | Shefqet Verlaci Mustafa Merlika-Kruja Maliq Bushati Eqrem Libohova---- Xhemil Dino |
| Strength1: | ~40,000-50,000 |
| Strength3: | ~15,000-20,000 |
| Casualties1: | Around 2000 (including civilians) |
| Casualties3: | Around 4000 (including civilians) |
The North Epirote Insurgency in South Albania was a period of intensified conflict in Southern Albania, where the ethnic Greek population in the region of Northern Epirus engaged in a struggle for autonomy and survival amid the broader chaos of the war. This insurgency was shaped by the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region, involving Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, Greece, Balli Kombëtar, LANÇ, and it left a lasting impact on Greek-Albanian relations.[1]
North Epirus, a region within Albania, has historically been home to a mixed population, including ethnic Albanians and Greeks. The area became a focal point of territorial disputes, particularly during the early 20th century, as both Albania and Greece laid claims to the region.[2] [3] The tensions escalated significantly when Italy, which had occupied Albania since 1939, used the country as a base to launch an invasion of Greece on October 28, 1940.[4]
The latter stages of the war saw a significant rise in Albanian resistance efforts against the occupying German forces. The National Liberation Movement led by the Communist Party of Albania under Enver Hoxha, played a crucial role in the fight against Axis powers. By the end of 1944, Albanian partisans had managed to liberate most of Albania, including the contested region of North Epirus, from German control.[5]
Albania emerged from World War II with a communist government led by Hoxha, who was determined to secure Albania’s territorial integrity and eliminate any claims to North Epirus by Greece. The communist regime strongly opposed any Greek efforts to assert control over the region, viewing them as a continuation of imperialistic ambitions.[6]
The legacy of the North Epirote Insurgency In South Albania and the subsequent developments during the end of World War II had a lasting impact on Greek-Albanian relations.[7] The unresolved territorial and ethnic issues continued to cause friction between the two countries throughout the Cold War and beyond. Despite periods of tension, the situation in North Epirus[8] gradually stabilized, with Albania maintaining firm control over the region.[9]