Italian invasion of Albania

1939 World War II invasion

The Italian Invasion of Albania Of 1939 (Italian ; Invasione Italiana Dell'Albania/Albanian ; Pushtimi Italian I Shqiperise) was a military campaign by Fascist Italy to Occupy Albania.

Italian invasion of Albania (1939)
Part of Interwar period
Date7-12 April 1939
Location
Result Italian victory and exile of Zog I Of Albania
Territorial
changes

Albania occupied by Italy

  • Albania becomes Italian Protectorate
Belligerents
Italy Italy Albania Albania
Commanders and leaders
Italy Alfredo Guzzoni Albania Zog I
Mujo Ulqinaku 
Strength
40.000
600 aircraft
52 warships
5,000-8.000
+10.000 with civil support
5 aircraft
3 torpedo boats
Casualties and losses
700 killed
~1.000 wounded
160 dead

Preparation change

Benito Mussolini started the plan and began to build up armies on the Italian water border. Albania was aware of the invasion but did not Know when it would happen, Zog I the King of the Albanians ordered out his armies in defense in case.

Beginning change

On April 7, Mussolini launched a surprise attack on the Albanian coast. A fleet of Italian ships were ready and prepared to advance inland. The Italians then attacked the coast without any warning.

Surrender change

Only a day after they attacked they already controlled much of Albania but continued to fight the invasion ended on April 12, after Albania surrendered all of Albania was under Italian control by April 10 though.