On April 7, 1939, Benito Mussolini’s fascist forces launched a massive naval and aerial offensive against Albania, marking the beginning of a brutal occupation that reshaped the Balkans.
The invasion, ordered by Benito Mussolini, was carried out swiftly across key coastal cities such as Durrës, Vlorë, and Sarandë. Despite limited resistance, Albanian forces and civilians attempted to defend the country. Within the first three days—April 7, 8, and 9—the number of killed and wounded reached 93. Official figures indicate: 1 officer killed and 9 wounded; 1 non-commissioned officer killed and 8 wounded; and 10 soldiers killed with 64 wounded, approximately 60% of whom were members of the Albanian Navy. Though small compared to later World War II battles, these casualties marked the beginning of occupation.
Following the invasion, Italy quickly consolidated control. On April 12, 1939, a new constitution was approved in Tirana, transforming Albania into a protectorate under the Italian crown led by Vittorio Emanuele III. A puppet government was installed, and Albania lost significant sovereignty. A governing structure was established under a general lieutenant appointed by the Italian monarchy, operating under the direct authority of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Italy assumed full control over Albania’s foreign policy and natural resources, turning the country into a strategic base for expansion in the Balkans. In 1940, Albania was used as the launching point for Italy’s invasion of Greece, further embedding it in World War II operations.
To strengthen its influence, Italy initiated demographic and economic changes. Around 11,000 Italian settlers, mainly from Veneto and southern Italy, were relocated to Albania. They settled in cities such as Durrës, Vlorë, Shkodër, Elbasan, and Sarandë. Additionally, about 22,000 Italian workers arrived in April 1940 to build roads, railways, and infrastructure, modernizing the country but primarily serving Italian military goals.
However, resistance and internal tensions emerged. During the Greco-Italian War, segments of the Albanian military refused to fully support Italian operations. Some units abandoned the фронт under orders from Colonel Pervizi, contributing to a major Italian retreat that allowed Greek forces to capture Korçë temporarily. Albanian troops were later withdrawn and isolated in northern mountainous regions, including Pukë.
The occupation of Albania was not only a military takeover but a profound political and social transformation. It demonstrated the vulnerability of smaller nations during periods of expansionist ambition and remains a key historical moment for Albania, Kosovo, and the wider Balkans.