The XXII Assault Brigade of the Albanian National Liberation Army was formed in Peza. It was formed with partisans of the Peza Group. The force of about 1,100 people was organized into four battalions. One day after the formation, it jumped into action to clear the area of Shijak. On September 23 and 25, its III battalion attacked the Nazi German forces in Lekaj of Kavajë, while other divisions fought along the Ndroq-Plazhi road, in Durrës, and Kavajë-Rrogozhinë-Peqin. Partisans also penetrated the surroundings of Tirana. On the Mamurras-Milot road they hit the enemy without interruption and destroyed his posts. On September 27, the XXII Assault Brigade was aligned with the II Assault Division of the Albanian National Liberation Army. In the evening of October 6, it destroyed several forces cooperating with the Germans in Kashar and Kus of Tirana. From here it marched in the direction of Mati, and, on October 13, it concentrated in Lure. From 17.10.– 30.11.1944 it participated in the training battles conducted by the II Assault Division and other units of the Albanian National Liberation Army for the liberation of Mirdita (Shënpal), Puka and Shkodra. On 18.11.1944, he joined the VI Attack Division of the Albanian National Liberation Army. After the liberation of Shkodra, she crossed the state border and took part in the battles for the liberation of Tuzi, where 14 partisans were martyred. In cooperation with the VI, VII, VIII Assault Brigade, participated in the liberation of Podgorica and Visegrad (Bosnia). After completing the task, traversing a combat route of about 2000 km, he returned to his homeland. The brigade was led by the headquarters with commander Sali Verdha. From the ranks of the XII Assault Brigade, 112 martyrs fell, of which 85 on the territory of Yugoslavia. The brigade published the political-military organ “Përpara“ (“Forward”). (In the picture: The line-up of the XXII Assault Brigade.)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 1, Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2008, page 307.
Photo: © Central State Archives
Graphic processing: AHCF
