The XXIII Assault Brigade of the Albanian National Liberation Army was formed in Zall-Mëner of Tirana. It was formed by the battalions “Krujë-Ishëm”, “Dajti” and “Mati”, with around 700 fighters, who were organized into 3 battalions. It immediately lined up in the composition of the 1st Assault Division and took part in the fight for the liberation of Tirana. Its forces for two consecutive months attacked the German convoys on the Vorë-Milot road, as well as the enemy’s fortified garrisons in Krujë, Vorë and the Zezë bridge (Fushë-Krujë), causing heavy losses. After severe and continuous blows, on November 2 he liberated Kruja. By order of the Headquarters of the I Assault Corps, on November 17, the XXIII Assault Brigade in cooperation with the XXIV Assault Brigade continued the pursuit of the Nazi German forces, which were retreating on the Milot-Lezhë-Shkodër road, causing significant losses to the enemy; on November 18 it liberated Milot, on November 23 Lezha and, together with the forces of several other brigades, took part in the liberation of Shkodra. By order of the General Command, he crossed the state border and continued combat operations in Montenegro together with the VII Assault Brigade and the XXIV Assault Brigade to help liberate the peoples of Yugoslavia. 18 martyrs fell from the ranks of the XXIII Assault Brigade. (In the photo: Partisans of the XXIII 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
