World War II in Albania

Belligerents

LANÇ

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Balli Kombëtar
(until 1943)
Legality Movement
(until 1943)

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Northern Epirus Liberation Front
SOE

Italy(until Sep. 1943)

• Albania
  (Italian Protectorate)

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Germany(from Sep. 1943)

• Albania
  (German Client)

Balli Kombëtar
(from 1943)

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Legality Movement
(from 1943)
Commanders and leadersStrength1942
~4,000
1944
~40,000 More than 700,000 Axis troops were stationedCasualties and losses Around (including civilians) 28,000 killed
12,600 wounded
44,500 imprisoned or deportedAxis and collaborators:
26,595 killed
21,245 wounded
20,800 prisoners

In Albania, World War II began with its invasion by Italy in April 1939. Fascist Italy set up Albania as its protectorate or puppet state. The resistance was largely carried out by Communist groups against the Italian (until 1943) and then German occupation in Albania. At first independent, the Communist groups united in the beginning of 1942, which ultimately led to the successful liberation of the country in 1944.

The Center for Relief to Civilian Populations (Geneva) reported that Albania was one of the most devastated countries in Europe. 60,000 houses were destroyed and about 10% of the population was left homeless.