The “2nd Assault Division of the Albanian National Liberation Army” was formed, comprising the III Assault Brigade, VI Assault Brigade, and XVIII Assault Brigade, totaling 3,100 partisans. In November 1944, following the departure of the III Assault Brigade to Kosovo, the II Division consisted of the VI Assault Brigade, VII Assault Brigade, and XXII Assault Brigade. On August 18, 1944, the division joined the I Assault Corps and was ordered to march toward Central and Northern Albania. Its objectives included striking enemy forces, destroying the retreat routes and means of transport of the occupier, targeting collaborators, and strengthening the power of the national liberation councils in the liberated areas to mobilize the population for the complete liberation of the country. During August and September 1944, the forces of the II Assault Division engaged the enemy in the vicinity of Elbasan and Tirana, inflicting significant damage. At the end of September, they moved to operate in the provinces of Mirdita, Lezha, and Puka. Throughout October and November 1944, the II Assault Division continued training in Mirdita, Pukë, the Lezha highlands, Shala, and Shosh in Dukagjin. The forces of the II Assault Division, in cooperation with the XXIII Assault Brigade, XXIV Assault Brigade, and the “partisan group” of Shkodra, participated in the operation to liberate the city of Shkodra. After its liberation on December 14, 1944, the II Assault Division was integrated into the III Corps and included the I Assault Brigade, XXIII Assault Brigade, and XXIV Assault Brigade. The II Assault Division was led by Commander Tahir Kadare and Commissioner Kriso Themelko. It published the political-military organ titled “Bulletin of the Actions of the II Assault Division.” (In the photo: Partisans of the II Assault Division, Farka, Tirana, October 1944.)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 1, Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2008, page 492.
Photo: © Central State Archives
Graphic processing: AHCF
