View source for Albanian–Yugoslav border conflict (1948–1954)

{{Short description|1948–1954: A period of tension and disputes between Albania and Yugoslavia}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Albanian–Yugoslav conflict
| width             =
| partof            = the [[Cold War]] and the [[Informbiro period]]
| image             =
| image_size        =
| caption           =
| date              = July 1948 – December 1954<br>(6 years and 5 months)
| place             = [[Border crossings of Albania|Albanian-Yugoslav border]]
| result            = [[#Aftermath&Peace talks and Agreement|Pogradec Agreement]]{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=125–126}}
*Withdrawal of the [[Yugoslav People's Army]] from the border with Albania
*[[Expulsion of Yugoslavs from Albania]]
*Cessation of armed provocations by the Albanian Commando Guards
*Removing of albanian authorities and [[Sigurimi]] from Kosovo
| territory         = * Border area between Yugoslavia and Albania divided into three sectors
| combatants_header =
| combatant1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} [[People's Republic of Albania|PR Albania]]
| combatant2        = {{tree list}}
* {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia|FPR Yugoslavia]]
** {{flagicon image|Flag of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia (1963–1991).svg}} [[People's Republic of Macedonia|PR Macedonia]]
** {{flagicon image|Flag of the Socialist Republic of Serbia.svg}} [[Socialist Republic of Serbia|PR Serbia]]
*** [[Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo|SAP Kosovo]]
** {{flagicon image|Flag of SR Montenegro.svg}} [[Socialist Republic of Montenegro|PR Montenegro]]<br>'''Financial/Military Support:'''<br>{{flag|United States|1912}}<ref name="Brands">{{cite journal |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24911740 |author=HENRY W. BRANDS JR. |title=Redefining the Cold War: American Policy toward Yugoslavia, 1948–60 |date=1987 |journal=Diplomatic History |volume=11 |issue=1 |pages=41–53 |publisher=Oxford University Press |jstor=24911740 |access-date=4 December 2020 }}</ref>
{{tree list/end}}
| combatant3        =
| commander1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} [[Enver Hoxha]] {{small|([[Party of Labour of Albania|First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania]])}}<br> {{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} [[Mehmet Shehu]] {{small|([[Chief of the General Staff (Albania)|Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian People's Army]])}}<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} [[Kadri Hazbiu]] {{small|([[Sigurimi|Chief of the Directorate of State Security]])}}
| commander2        = {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Josip Broz Tito]] {{small|([[President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]])}}<br>{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Peko Dapčević]] {{small|([[Chief of the General Staff (Yugoslavia)|Chief of the General Staff of the Yugoslav People's Army]])}}<br>{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Aleksandar Ranković]] {{small|([[UDBA|Minister of the interior and chief of the military intelligence agency]])}}
| commander3        =
| units1            = {{tree list}}
* [[File:State Emblem of the People's Republic of Albania.svg|20px]] [[Albanian People's Army]]
** [[File:Flag of Albanian National Liberation Movement.svg|25px]] [[Albanian Land Force|Albanian People's Ground Force]]
** {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of Albania (1958-1992).svg}} [[Albanian Navy|Albanian People's Navy]]
* {{flagicon image|Sigurimi.svg}} [[Sigurimi]]
{{tree list/end}}
| units2            = {{tree list}}
*  [[File:Logo of the JNA.svg|23px]] [[Yugoslav People's Army]]
** {{flagicon image|Flag of the Yugoslav Ground Forces.svg}} [[Yugoslav Ground Forces]]
** {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of Yugoslavia (1949-1993).svg}} [[Yugoslav Navy]]
** {{flagicon image|Yugoslav Border Guard Ensign.svg}} [[People's Defence Corps of Yugoslavia|Corps of National Defense of Yugoslavia]] (CNDY)
* [[File:Emblem of Yugoslavia (1963–1992).svg|23px]] [[Directorate for State Security (Yugoslavia)|UDBA]]
* {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Militia (Yugoslavia)|People's Militia]]
{{tree list/end}}
| strength1         = {{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} 4 border battalions{{efn|Each of the four border battalions of the Albanian army consisted of around 2,500 soldiers, meaning a total of approximately 10,000 soldiers secured the border{{Sfn|Miletić|2020|p=190}}}}<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Albania  (1946–1992).svg}} 800 military security services of the Sigurimi.{{Sfn|Miletić|2020|p=190}}
| strength2         = {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} 2 Yugoslav Army divisions{{efn|In May 1951, Yugoslav troops were stationed along the Albanian border. Two divisions of the Yugoslav army had recently been transferred to the border area with Albania, one stationed near Titograd (now Podgorica), a motorized division positioned in Skopje, and another between Debar and Ohrid<ref>{{Cite journal |last=AL |first=SOT |date=6 October 2017 |title=CIA documents, this is how Enver Hoxha's propaganda system works, in 1951 the regime prepared for military conflict with Yugoslavia |url=https://www.cdnimpuls.com/sot.com.al/media/cf820142b52832420ccb8dfc96f48ac5.pdf |journal=Gazeta Sot |language=Albanian |volume=24 |issue=12 |via=Sot.al|quote=Dy divizione të ushtrisë jugoslave janë transferuar kohët e fundit ne zonën e kufirit te Shqiperisë, njeri i vendosur pranë Podgorices, nje divizion i motorizuar eshtë vendosur në Shkup dhe nje tjeter mes Dibres dhe Ohrit (Albanian). Two divisions of the Yugoslav army have recently been transferred to the border area of   Albania, one stationed near Podgorica, one motorized division is stationed in Skopje and another between Debar and Ohrid (English)}}</ref>}}
| polstrength1      = {{nowrap|[[File:Flag of Party of Labour of Albania.svg|23px]] [[Party of Labour of Albania]]}}
| polstrength2      = {{nowrap|[[File:Emblem of the SKJ.svg|23px]] [[League of Communists of Yugoslavia]]}}
| casualties1       = {{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} 7 Albanian soldiers killed{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=126}}<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg}} 16 arrested{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=126}}
| casualties2       = {{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} 11–34 Yugoslav soldiers and militiamen killed{{efn|The number of fallen soldiers varies, with authors like Marko Miletić and Aleksandar Zivotić claiming that only 11{{Sfn|Miletić|2020|p=197}}to 12{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=126}} Yugoslav  soldiers were killed. However, other authors like Ivan Laković assert that 18<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Laković |first1=Ivan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dmu2DAAAQBAJ&dq=Albanian+Yugoslav+border+incidents+1948&pg=PA118 |title=The Tito–Stalin Split and Yugoslavia's Military Opening toward the West, 1950–1954: In NATO's Backyard |last2=Tasić |first2=Dmitar |date=2016-07-14 |publisher=Lexington Books |isbn=978-1-4985-3934-0 |language=en|quote=On the Yugoslav borders with the Cominform countries from June 1, 1948, to December 31, 1955, 28 people were murdered, 51 wounded, and 37 kid-napped. Of that number, 18 members of the CNDY were killed, 38 of them wounded, and 8 kidnapped. Most of these incidents happened on the border of Albania.}}</ref> Yugoslav border soldiers were killed, indicating variations in the reported figures. Additionally, Western author Judith Bell claims there were 12 casualties,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bell |first=Judith |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3om5AAAAIAAJ&q=1948+and+1960+Albania+had+sent+657+agents+,+mostly+armed+,+into+Yugoslavia+,+of+whom+115+had+been+caught+and+convicted+,+and+also+that+649+frontier+incidents+involving+12+deaths+had+occurred+.+In+the+...+ALBANIA+-+YUGOSLAVIA+(+KOSOVO+) |title=Border and Territorial Disputes |date=1987 |publisher=Longman |isbn=978-0-8103-2543-2 |language=en|quote=That between 1948 and 1960 Albania had sent 657 agents , mostly armed , into Yugoslavia , of whom 115 had been caught and convicted , and also that 649 frontier incidents involving 12 deaths had occurred.}}</ref> while Serbian author Ranko Petković contends that 34 Yugoslav soldiers were killed<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HgS5AAAAIAAJ&q=the+Albanian+leadership+,+headed+by+Enver+Hoxha+,+infiltrated+more+than+500+spies+and+saboteurs+into+Yugoslavia+and+provoked+more+than+600+border+incidents+in+which+34+Yugoslav |title=Yugoslav-Albanian Relations |date=1984 |publisher=Review of International Affairs |language=en|quote=It is definitely proved that , during the period 1948-1955 , the Albanian leadership , headed by Enver Hoxha , infiltrated more than 500 spies and saboteurs into Yugoslavia and provoked more than 600 border incidents in which 34 Yugoslav soldiers were killed.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tZTGDFIAVvAC&q=Albanian+intelligence+service+were+sentenced+in+public+trials+in+Yugoslavia |title=Yugoslav Survey |date=1961 |publisher=Jugoslavija Publishing House |language=en|quote=public trials in Yugoslavia. Since 1948 Albanian frontier guards killed or wounded 34 Yugoslav frontier guards and caused 615 frontier incidents, violations of Yugoslav territory and similar hostile acts}}</ref>}} <br>{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} 18–38 injured{{efn|The number of injured soldiers also varies. Marko Miletić claims there were 18 wounded,{{Sfn|Miletić|2020|p=190}} Aleksandar Zivotić asserts there were 19,{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=126}} and Ivan Laković claims there were 38,{{Sfn|Laković|Tasić|2016|p=118}} indicating discrepancies in the reported figures.}}<br>{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} 8–15 were kidnapped including UDBA agents{{Sfn|Laković|Tasić|2016|p=118}}{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=126}}
| casualties3       =
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}}
The '''Albanian–Yugoslav border conflict''', was a period of armed confrontations between the armed forces of [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|Albania]] and [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] between the years 1948 and 1954. This period of heightened tensions between Albania and Yugoslavia stemmed from [[territorial dispute]]s and ideological divisions between the Yugoslav Leader [[Josip Broz Tito]] and Albanian Leader [[Enver Hoxha]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Životić |first=Aleksandar |date=2021 |title=Borderline tensions between Yugoslavia and Albania (1948-1954) |url=https://istorijskizapisi.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ZIVOTIC-Nemirna-granica.-Pogranicne-tenzije-izmedu-Jugoslavije-i-Albanije.pdf |journal=Оргинални научни рад |volume= |pages=19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206200315/https://istorijskizapisi.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ZIVOTIC-Nemirna-granica.-Pogranicne-tenzije-izmedu-Jugoslavije-i-Albanije.pdf |archive-date=2022-12-06}}</ref> During the [[Cold War]] period, the border between Albania and Yugoslavia became one of the most contentious in the [[Eastern Bloc]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Knaus |first1=Verena |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VL02DwAAQBAJ&dq=the+border+between+Albania+and+Yugoslavia+became+one+of+the+worst+in+the+Cold+War+period&pg=PA18 |title=Kosovo |last2=Warrander |first2=Gail |last3=Olenicoff |first3=Larissa |last4=Jennions |first4=Bridget Nurre |date=2017-10-05 |publisher=Bradt Travel Guides |isbn=978-1-78477-058-7 |language=en|quote=With Yugoslavia expelled from Cominform (the Communist Information Bureau), the border between Albania and Yugoslavia became one of the worst in the Cold War period}}</ref>
The conflict also encompassed contentious issues, including the status of [[Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo#1945–1963|Kosovo]], with its significant [[Kosovo Albanians|Albanian population]]. Hoxha's regime regarded Kosovo as part of its historical and ethnic territory, further fueling the tensions between the two nations.
The [[Sigurimi]], Albania's secret police, played a significant role in fomenting [[separatism]] in Kosovo and advocating for the idea of a "[[Greater Albania]]".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Perritt |first=Henry H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SlHqkxGk4Q8C&dq=Early+Planners+in+Exile%2C+encouraged+sporadically+by+Enver+Hoxha%27s+Albanian+intelligence+services%2C+worked+hard+at+developing+support+for+an+independent+Kosovo+but+were+largely+regarded+as+radical+movements+on+the+political+fringes.&pg=PA22 |title=Kosovo Liberation Army: The Inside Story of an Insurgency |date=2010-10-01 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=978-0-252-09213-8 |language=en|quote=Early Planners in Exile, encouraged sporadically by Enver Hoxha's Albanian intelligence services, worked hard at developing support for an independent Kosovo but were largely regarded as radical movements on the political fringes.}}</ref> The Sigurimi actively supported early planners in exile, working to cultivate support for an independent Kosovo among Albanians in Yugoslavia. It was reported that Hoxha brought Albanian separatists into Yugoslavia to advance his aim of supporting separatism in Kosovo and implementing the Greater Albania project, as asserted by authors and the Yugoslav government.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Petković |first=Ranko |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HgS5AAAAIAAJ&q=Hoxhas.support+for.Albanian+Separatists+1948 |title=Yugoslav–Albanian Relations |publisher=Review of International Affairs |year=1984 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Filipović |first=Gordana |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1TC5AAAAIAAJ |title=Kosovo--past and Present |date=1989 |publisher=Review of International Affairs |language=en|quote=Many facts concerning the Albanian government's anti-Yugoslav activity and its intelligence services suggest that since 1948 it has been preparing , instigating and inspiring Albanian nationalism and separatism in Yugoslavia.}}</ref>
==Background==
===Albanian–Yugoslav relations===
{{Main|Albania–Yugoslavia relations}}
[[File:Hoxha e Tito 1946.jpg|thumb|260px|In 1946, a parade in [[Tirana]] showcased [[Enver Hoxha]] (left), the [[Party of Labour of Albania|First Secretary of the Albanian Party of Labour]], alongside Yugoslav President [[Josip Broz Tito]] (right).]]
After [[World War II]], Yugoslavia and Albania developed close relations, particularly due to their shared [[Communism|communist ideology]] and the fight against [[Axis powers|fascist occupation]]. [[Josip Broz Tito]], the Yugoslav leader, supported [[Enver Hoxha]] and the [[Party of Labour of Albania|Communist Party of Albania]] in [[World War II in Albania|resisting]] [[Italian protectorate of Albania (1939–1943)|Italian]] and [[German occupation of Albania|German occupation]]. However, tensions between the two countries began to emerge shortly after the end of [[World War II]]. Different visions of [[communism]] and [[Territorial state|territorial claims]] were central points of contention. [[Tito]] pursued a policy of "[[Titoism]]," distancing himself from the Soviet leadership under [[Stalin]], while [[Enver Hoxha|Hoxha]] followed a more [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] line.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stamova |first=Mariyana |title=Yugoslav–Albanian Relations and the Albanian Question During the Cold War |url=https://eprints.unite.edu.mk/883/1/28-35.pdf |journal=Journal for Peacebuilding and Transcultural Communication |volume=2 |issue=2}}</ref> These ideological differences led to a rift between the two communist leaders.
Additionally, there were territorial disputes between Yugoslavia and Albania, particularly concerning control over border areas and access to the sea. Albania was concerned about Yugoslav dominance in the region and sought to maintain its independence and sovereignty. This led to conflicts and provocations along the shared border between the two countries.
===Relations during the Cold War===
{{See also|Albania–Russia relations|Tito–Stalin split|Expulsion of Yugoslavs from Albania}}
[[File:General Secretary Enver Hoxha and First Secretary of the Soviet Unions Communist Party Joseph Stalin in Moscow.jpg|thumb|260px|In 1946, [[Enver Hoxha]], the First Secretary of the Party of Labour of Albania, attended the [[Moscow Victory Day Parade|Moscow Victory Parade]] alongside the Soviet leader [[Joseph Stalin]].]]
After the [[Tito–Stalin split|split between Stalin and Tito]] in 1948, Albania, under the leadership of [[Enver Hoxha]], initially turned to the [[Soviet Union]]. Albania hoped for [[Joseph Stalin|Stalin]]'s support to counter [[Yugoslavism|Yugoslav influence]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Elsie |first=Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=haFlGXIg8uoC&dq=Albania+hoping+for+Stalin+support+1948&pg=PR63 |title=Historical Dictionary of Albania |date=2010-03-19 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7380-3 |language=en|quote=The rift between Tito and Joseph Stalin in 1948 gave Enver Hoxha a Soviet ally, with whose support he could now act to preserve his own position, and he soon managed to eliminate his rivals. Albania became the first Eastern European country to denounce Yugoslavia after the latter's expulsion from the Cominform (the Soviet bloc), on 17 June 1948, and all Yugoslav advisors were expelled from the country without delay.}}</ref> Albania joined the anti-Titoist front and supported the Soviet positions against Yugoslavia. However, this alliance with Stalin brought about a dependence on the Soviet Union and resulted in a strong Soviet presence in Albania. Despite the initial alignment with the [[Soviet Union]], Albania later pursued an independent foreign policy, distancing itself from both Soviet and Yugoslav influence. This led to Albania [[Expulsion of Yugoslavs from Albania|expelling all Yugoslav citizens and military personnel who remained in the country in 1948]].
===Closure of the borders with Yugoslavia===
In 1948, diplomatic relations between Albania and Yugoslavia were severed following Tito's break with Stalin. This rupture led to the closure of Albania's border with Yugoslavia for over forty years. Albania became the most isolated country in [[Europe]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Mabry |first1=Tristan James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PFCbBW18yU4C&dq=Albania+closure+of+border+with+Yugoslavia+1948&pg=PA168 |title=Divided Nations and European Integration |last2=McGarry |first2=John |last3=Moore |first3=Margaret |last4=O'Leary |first4=Brendan |date=2013-05-30 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-4497-7 |language=en|quote=Albania and Yugoslavia severed diplomatic relations, after Tito broke with Stalin. Albania's border was sealed for over forty years. The 1948 border closure transformed the 1913 grievance into a collective trauma}}</ref> After the sealing of the border with [[Yugoslavia]], from 1948 to 1953, there were 7,877 border 'incidents', of which 142 were substantive clashes, which led to an armed conflict at the border.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Leffler |first1=Melvyn P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1U52FjcIOYC |title=The Cambridge History of the Cold War |last2=Westad |first2=Odd Arne |date=2010-03-25 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-83719-4 |language=en|quote=1948 to 1953 there were 7,877 border 'incidents', of which 142 were substantive clashes.}}</ref>
===Kosovo issue===
A central issue of the conflict was the status of the [[Socialist Autonomous Province of Kosovo|Kosovo region]]. With a significant [[Kosovo Albanians|Albanian population]], Kosovo held great historical and ethnic-cultural significance for Albania. Albania viewed Kosovo as an integral part of its territory and supported the independence aspirations of the Albanian population in the region. In contrast, Yugoslavia claimed control over Kosovo and pursued a policy of integration into the Yugoslav state.
==Course of the border conflict==
===Start of confrontations===
On February 19, 1949, Albania accused Yugoslavia of engaging in what it described as "border provocations." Two days later, Yugoslavia countered with allegations of its own, claiming that Albania had fired shots across the border 16 times, detained [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav citizens]] at the border on 10 occasions, conducted numerous flights over [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav territory]], allowed Albanian patrols to cross the border, and even permitted an Albanian naval vessel to enter Yugoslav waters, all since July 1948.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gibler |first=Douglas M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_4VTDwAAQBAJ&dq=albania+yugoslavia+border+1949&pg=PA325 |title=International Conflicts, 1816-2010: Militarized Interstate Dispute Narratives |date=2018-03-22 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-4422-7559-1 |language=en|quote=On February 19, 1949, Albania accused Yugoslavia of what it called "border provocations." Two days later Yugoslavia accused Albania of shots fired across the border 16 times, Yugoslav citizens seized at the border 10 times, several flights over Yugoslav territory, Albanian patrols crossing the border, and an Albanian naval vessel entering Yugoslav waters, all since July 1948.}}</ref> It was also reported that a total of 649 frontier incidents occurred during the course of the Border conflict, resulting in 12 deaths. Hoxha's regime was accused of instigating these incidents since 1948.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bell |first=Judith |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3om5AAAAIAAJ&q=1948+and+1960+Albania+had+sent+657+agents+,+mostly+armed+,+into+Yugoslavia+,+of+whom+115+had+been+caught+and+convicted+,+and+also+that+649+frontier+incidents+involving+12+deaths+had+occurred+.+In+the+...+ALBANIA+-+YUGOSLAVIA+(+KOSOVO+) |title=Border and Territorial Disputes |date=1987 |publisher=Longman |isbn=978-0-8103-2543-2 |language=en|quote=That between 1948 and 1960 Albania had sent 657 agents , mostly armed , into Yugoslavia , of whom 115 had been caught and convicted , and also that 649 frontier incidents involving 12 deaths had occurred.}}</ref> Additionally, [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav officials]] alleged that the Albanian Minister of the Interior, [[Mehmet Shehu]], was personally in charge of the frontier incidents.
[[File:Mehmet Shehu (ushtarak).jpg|thumb|200px|In 1946, [[Mehmet Shehu]] as [[Chief of the General Staff (Albania)|Chief of the General Staff]] of the [[Albanian People's Army]].]]
<blockquote>The worst frontier is the Albanian. Yugoslav officials say that the Albanian Minister of the Interior, [[Mehmet Shehu]], was personally in charge of the frontier incidents.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oh4yAQAAIAAJ&q=Albanian+Yugoslav+frontier+incidents+1948 |title=The Weekly Review |date=1953 |publisher=University of California |language=en}}</ref>            </blockquote>
A classified CIA document states that [[Mehmet Shehu]] personally ordered the formation and training of the Frontier Guard Commando units. These units were specifically tasked with raiding Yugoslav posts and instructed to shoot Yugoslav military personnel or civilians on sight. It is noted that very few commandos were captured alive by the Yugoslavs, and there have been no cases of desertion. Successful operations are rewarded with decorations, extra rations, and cash awards of up to 1,000 lek.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Albanian Frontier Guard Commandos |url=https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP82-00457R014100040002-3.pdf |journal=Central Intelligence Agency |volume=1 |issue=1}}</ref>
The armed confrontations between Yugoslavia and Albania began as early as June 1948 with the first documented incidents at the border. On June 25, 1948, soldier Tanasije Krstic was wounded in an incident near the village of [[Trebište]]{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=110}} and on October 20, 1948, another incident occurred when soldier Ivan Balesh was wounded near [[Debar]]. He was involved in a clash with an unidentified armed group attempting to cross from Albania into Yugoslavia.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=110}}[[Communist Albania|Hoxha's regime]] responded to the escalating tensions by concentrating stronger military forces along the border with Yugoslavia. By August 1948, Albania had undertaken a limited mobilization, increasing its military capacity to around 40,000 armed personnel.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=110}} In response to the [[Informbiro period|Informbiro Resolution]], Albania promptly bolstered its deployment of border guards along the Yugoslav border. This reinforcement was particularly evident in July and August 1949 during a reorganization period. During thi[[Albanian People's Army|s time, four out of eight Albanian border battalions]], comprising approximately 2,500 personnel, were stationed along the Albanian border, resulting in a density of five guards per kilometer. Additionally, about 800 personnel from the [[Sigurimi]] (internal security) brigade were deployed to secure the border line. {{Sfn|Miletić|2020|p=190}}
In the following months, violence escalated, with shootings, illegal border crossings, and acts of sabotage becoming commonplace. Conflicts between the border troops of both countries intensified, signaling the beginning of a phase of heightened confrontation between Yugoslavia and Albania. On May 10, 1949, the [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav government]] reported that Albanian frontier guards shot up a Yugoslav motor boat carrying a lieutenant and three soldiers on [[Lake Skadar|Lake Shkodër]], killing them.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1949-05-11 |title=Frontier Incidents In Yugoslavia |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36366179 |access-date=2024-04-26 |work=Advertiser|quote=In Yugoslavia BELGRADE, May 10.—AAP. Albanial frontier guards to- day shot up a Yugoslav motor boat carrying a lieutenant and three soldiers on Lake Scutari}}</ref> On October 11, 1949, [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav border guard]] Mitar Vojnović was killed by some Albanian soldiers near the border. The Albanian government was then requested to pay compensation in the amount of 500,000 dinars.<ref>{{Cite book |last=poslova |first=Yugoslavia Ministarstvo inostranih |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jbcMAAAAIAAJ&q=that+the+Albanian+Government+pay,+by+way+of+compensation,+the+amount+of+500,000+dinars+to+the+family+of+the+assasinated+Yugoslav+frontier+guard,+Mitar+Vojnovi%C4%87 |title=White Book on Aggressive Activities by the Governments of the USSR, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria and Albania Towards Yugoslavia |date=1951 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia |language=en |quote=That the Albanian Government pay, by way of compensation, the amount of 500,000 dinars to the family of the assassinated Yugoslav frontier guard, Mitar Vojnović}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Handler |first=M.S |date=12 October 1949 |title=Yugoslavia Demands Albania Halt Provocation of Frontier Incidents |url=https://web.stanford.edu/group/tomzgroup/pmwiki/uploads/1286-1949-10-12-PQ-a-IEM.pdf |journal=[[The New York Times]] |volume=1 |issue=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Times |first=M. S. Handlerspecial To the New York |date=1949-10-12 |title=Yugoslavia Demands Albania Halt Provocation of Frontier Incidents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/10/12/archives/yugoslavia-demands-albania-halt-provocation-of-frontier-incidents.html |access-date=2024-04-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
===High-level armed conflict===
[[File:Peko Dapčević1.jpg|thumb|200px|In 1953, the [[Chief of the General Staff (Yugoslavia)|Chief of the General Staff of the Yugoslav People's Army]], [[Peko Dapčević]].]]
In 1951, the armed provocations at the Yugoslav-Albanian border reached their peak. At the beginning of that year, General [[Peko Dapčević]] informed [[Josip Broz Tito]] that he had received reports that approximately hundred [[Soviet Armed Forces|Soviet fighters]] and bombers had flown from [[Bulgaria]] towards [[Albania]] that morning. [[Tito]] reacted promptly, convening a meeting with [[Aleksandar Ranković]], [[Edvard Kardelj]], [[Milovan Đilas]], [[Ivan Gošnjak]], [[Koča Popović]], and [[Boris Kidrič]]. Initially, it seemed that an imminent attack by the Soviets and their satellites on Yugoslavia was looming. However, Tito remained reserved, believing that it was not a sign of an impending Soviet attack but rather suspected that the Soviets were attempting to turn Albanian territory into a strategic position. The conflict further escalated as both countries bolstered their military presence along the border, resulting in a volatile situation characterized by sporadic violence and diplomatic tensions. In May 1951, [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav troops]] were stationed along the [[Border crossings of Albania|Albanian border]]. Two divisions of the Yugoslav army had recently been transferred to the border area with Albania, one stationed near [[Podgorica|Titograd]] (now Podgorica), a [[Motorized infantry|motorized division]] positioned in [[Skopje]], and another between [[Debar]] and [[Ohrid]]. [[Sigurimi|Albanian authorities]] are reported to have been alarmed, resulting in the arrest of more than 150 individuals considered dangerous or suspicious in border areas with [[Yugoslavia]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=29 May 1951 |title=Yugoslav troops on the Albanian border: Albanian reaction to rumors of invasion. |url=https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP82-00457R007700150010-7.pdf |journal=Central Intelligence Agency: Historical Collections |volume=1}}</ref>
===First Attacks===
A series of serious incidents occurred at the border. On May 23, shots were fired from some [[Albanian People's Army|Albanian soldiers]]  at a [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav border patrol]] near [[Dragash|Dragaš]], resulting in the death of Yugoslav border guard Hezy Zdrala.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=115-116}} Another incident occurred on August 7 in the region of Trnki Gora, where Vladislav Marinkovic was killed from Albanian border guards.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=115-116}} Two fatal incidents took place in October 1950: Meho Kamari was injured on October 5 while attempting to stop individuals from illegally crossing into Yugoslavia from Albanian territory, and Milorad Burić was injured on October 12 during an ambush set by Albanian insurgents near the border line. Additionally, Sylvester Vukanović was injured on November 18 during clashes with Albanian border guards who had set up ambushes for Yugoslav patrols.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=115-116}}
These incidents led to diplomatic responses between Albania and Yugoslavia. Throughout the year, Yugoslav border authorities prevented 22 attempted illegal crossings from Yugoslav to Albanian territory, mostly involving individuals associated with the Informbiro Resolution or crossing for family reasons.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=115-116}}
On January 30, young Sergeant Simo Čolić was wounded near [[Drijenak]] while attempting to respond to fire from the Albanian side. On May 16, a group of Albanian soldiers infiltrated deep into Yugoslav territory near Blato, laid an ambush, and attacked a Yugoslav border patrol. In the brief fight, soldier Stojan Mitrović was lightly injured. On July 18, a clash occurred near the village of [[Vusanje]] between [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav border guards]] and an infiltrated [[Diversionary foreign policy|Albanian diversionary]] group. In this battle, [[Militia (Yugoslavia)|border policeman]] Milan Nikolić was killed. The most serious incident occurred on September 2, 1951, near the village of [[Zhur]], when a two-member Yugoslav patrol noticed a group of nine Albanians in civilian and military clothing. The patrol signaled them to stop, but the group began to retreat towards the border, prompting gunfire. Three of them were killed and one Albanian was injured.
A group of about 40 [[Albanian People's Army|Albanian soldiers]] opened fire on the Yugoslav patrol, allowing the remaining members to retreat to Albanian territory. Soldier Miodrag Stojanović died the same evening from the wounds received, while soldier Miodrag Đuričić was wounded. On the night of August 22–23, near the village of [[Vlashnjë]] near [[Prizren]], approximately ten kilometers deep into Yugoslav territory, soldier Petar Rakić was killed in a clash with Albanian [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrillas]]. In 1951, a [[United Nations]] report indicates that west of the village of [[Gorna Belica|Gornje Belice]] in the [[Struga|Struga region]], a detachment of fifteen Albanian soldiers laid an ambush at the frontier line for a Yugoslav patrol consisting of three soldiers. All of the Yugoslav soldiers were killed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Assembly |first=United Nations General |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wuXsjsrlUoIC |title=Documents |date=1951 |publisher=UN |language=en|quote=three kilometres south - west of Gornje Belice villago , Struga region , & de tachment of fifteen Albanian soldiers lay in ambush at the frontier line for a Yugoslav patrol consisting of three soldiers end}}</ref>
In 1952, the number of border incidents gradually declined both in frequency and severity. In the region of the village Sukobina on July 2, a Yugoslav patrol fell into an ambush on Yugoslav territory set by Albanian separatists.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}After a brief exchange of fire, the Albanian separatists withdrew to their own territory under the cover of machine gun fire. An official protest was lodged by the Albanian government, but neither this nor many previous protests yielded results. During this incident, border guard Slobodan Radosavljević was lightly wounded.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}
On July 24, shots were fired by some [[Albanian People's Army|Albanian border guards]] directly at the Yugoslav patrol stationed at the border line northeast of [[Andrijevica]].{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}} Border guard Franz Skrad was seriously injured in the firefight.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}} In the vicinity of the village [[Žirovnica, Mavrovo and Rostuša|Žirovnica]] on August 20, a serious clash occurred between a patrol of the Yugolav [[Militia (Yugoslavia)|border police]] and a detected Albanian sabotage group. {{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}Three militiamen were injured in this fight: Karanfilovski, Ristovski, and Androvski. During the pursuit of the same group on Yugoslav territory on August 22 near the village of Rubnice, militiaman Milivoje Krati was injured.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}
Following this incident, the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Yugoslavia)|Yugoslav Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] lodged a protest with the Albanian government demanding compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured militiaman, but the Albanian government turned a deaf ear to this demand.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}} In 1952, 13 attempts or attempted attempts by sabotage groups from Albanian territory into Yugoslav territory were registered. It was presumed that the number of detected groups did not cover all intrusions. In nine cases, the sabotage groups suffered no losses in clashes with [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav border guards]], while in two cases, one saboteur was killed.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}
In the vicinity of Vrbnica on August 2, a border patrol fell into an ambush set by Albanian soldiers on Yugoslav territory. Commander of the patrol, with 15 border guards, quickly arrived for assistance. During the ensuing clash, Yugoslav commander Mileta Gavrović was fatally wounded.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}In the vicinity of Vrbnica on August 2, a border patrol fell into an ambush set by Albanian separatists Dragi Pajuh and Milan Milosavljević. Two major incidents resulting in fatalities occurred that year. In the Decani Mountains, about two kilometers into Yugoslav territory, on July 24, Corporal Boško Žilović was killed in a clash with a detected Albanian sabotage group. Subsequently, the saboteurs, dressed in Albanian uniforms, withdrew to Albanian territory. During the renovation of border markers on July 30, Corporal Momčilo Malčić was killed 25 kilometers from Prizren. In April of the same year, a sabotage group unsuccessfully attempted to cross into Yugoslav territory near Ohrid, with six groups attempting to infiltrate Yugoslavia (three near Debar, two near Shkodër, and one near [[Peja]]). In July, four attempts were observed (two near Prizren and one each near Peja and Debar), and in August, four more attempts (two near Prizren and one each near Peja and Debar). In September, there were two attempts near Prizren and one each near Peja and Debar, while in October, two failed attempts were noted (one near Kolašin and one near Prizren).{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}
In 1953, there were 11 cases of smuggling propaganda material, with three cases in Cizmovo in February, two in Cizmovo and two in the vicinity of Prizren in April, and one each in May and October in the vicinity of Prizren. Additionally, there were 18 incidents of violations of territorial waters, 21 cases of shooting at border guards, with 18 on Yugoslav territory, four cases of rocket attacks, 19 detected sabotage groups, three instances of illuminating territory, and two instances of reconnaissance.
In 1953, although the number of incidents decreased, their severity remained palpable. On July 29, near [[Junik]], a Yugoslav patrol fell into an ambush set up by Albanian soldiers on Yugoslav territory. Soon after, the guard commander rushed with 15 soldiers to aid the patrol. In a fierce battle, Soldier Mileta Gavrović was severely injured. On August 2, near [[Vërmica|Vrbnica]], a Yugoslav border patrol laid a trap for an Albanian [[Sabotage|sabotage group]]. During this skirmish, [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav soldiers]] Dragić Rajić and Milan Milosavljević sustained minor injuries. Additionally, two major incidents resulting in fatalities occurred during the year. On June 24, in the mountains near [[Deçan|Dečani]], approximately two kilometers deep into Yugoslav territory, Sergeant Boško Žilović was killed in a clash with an infiltrated Albanian sabotage group. The infiltrators, trained in Albanian uniforms, retreated to Albanian territory thereafter. On July 30, during the renewal of border markings, 25 kilometers from [[Pristina|Priština]], Sergeant Momčilo Malčić was killed. In the same year, in April, an unsuccessful attempt by a sabotage group to enter Yugoslav territory near Ohrid was made. In June, six groups attempted incursions into Yugoslavia (three near [[Debar]], two near [[Shkodra]], and one near Peja).
In July, four attempts were made (two near [[Junik]], and one each near [[Debar]] and [[Peja]]). In August, four more attempts occurred (two near [[Prizren]], and one each near Peja and Debar), followed by two more in September (one each near [[Prizren]] and Peja). In October, two unsuccessful attempts were made (one near [[Kolašin]], and one near Prizren). In 1953, 11 cases of smuggling propaganda material from Albania into Yugoslav territory were recorded (five cases via the [[Cem (river)|Cijevna River]] in February, two via Cijevna and two near Prizren in April, and one each in May and October near Prizren). During the same year, Yugoslav territory was damaged by Albanian sources on 10 occasions, the airspace violated 18 times, border guards fired upon 21 times, the territory targeted in 18 cases, rockets fired four times, 19 sabotage groups infiltrated, the area illuminated three times, and border guards provoked twice.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=119-120}}
During Yugoslavia's border conflicts with other neighboring [[Eastern Bloc|Soviet allied states]], Albania caused the most significant provocations and armed confrontations, despite reporting fewer border incidents overall. More than half of the Yugoslav border guards killed or injured during these conflicts fell victim to Albanian provocations, with 11 fatalities and 18 injuries. In total, there were 4,750 incidents on the Hungarian border, 1,761 on the Romanian border, 1,176 on the Bulgarian border, and 574 on the Albanian border.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Miletić |first=Marko B. |date=5 November 2020 |title=Incidents on the borders between Yugoslavia and Informburo countries (1948–1955) |url=https://tokovi.istorije.rs/cir/uploaded/2%202020/9.%20Clanak%208.pdf |journal=[[Institute of History Belgrade]] |language=Serbian |volume=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923150525/https://tokovi.istorije.rs/cir/uploaded/2%202020/9.%20Clanak%208.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2020 |quote=Ако на крау сумирамо све броке, видеемо да су угословен-ски органи у току тразаньа сукоба са земльама чланицама Информби-роа регистровали укупно 8.261 гранични инцидент, у нима j убиен 21 граничар, раьено 33 и отето них осам.5° Навеи бро инцидена-та догодио се на граници са Маарском 4.750, затим на границама са Румуниіом 1.761, Бугарском 1.176 и Албаниом 574. Насупрот томе, албански гранични органи, кои су извршили наматье граничних ин-цидената, извели су назвише тешких провокациіа. Од укупног броа убирених и раьених іугословенских граничара више од половине от-пада на них (11 убиених и 18 раньених). |trans-quote=If we summarize all the figures, we will see that Yugoslav authorities registered a total of 8,261 border incidents during the conflict with the Informbiro member countries, in which 21 border guards were killed, 33 were injured, and eight were captured. The highest number of incidents occurred on the border with Hungary with 4,750, followed by borders with Romania with 1,761, Bulgaria with 1,176, and Albania with 574. In contrast, Albanian border authorities, despite committing fewer border incidents, perpetrated the most serious provocations. More than half of the total number of killed and injured Yugoslav border guards were attributed to them (11 killed and 18 injured).}}</ref>
==Aftermath==
===Casualties===
During the conflict, both sides suffered losses. The Serbian author Aleksandar Zivotić reported that a total of 7 Albanian soldiers were killed and 16 of them were arrested, including 3 officers of the [[Sigurimi|Albanian intelligence service]].
The numbers of casualties and wounded on the Yugoslav side vary during the border conflict. According to different authors, such as Marko Miletić and Aleksandar Zivotić, the reported figures for Yugoslav soldiers killed range from 11 to 12. Ivan Laković, on the other hand, claims that 18 Yugoslav border soldiers lost their lives. Additionally, Judith Bell, a Western author, mentions 12 casualties. In terms of injuries, Marko Miletić reports 18 wounded, while Aleksandar Zivotić states there were 19. Ivan Laković, however, claims that 38 Yugoslav soldiers were injured.
===Peace talks and Agreement===
The first indication of a shift in political stance occurred when the [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|Albanian government]] invited the [[Yugoslavia|Yugoslav government]] to discuss specific issues regarding their shared border and the armed clashes. General [[Dušan Mugoša]] noted the difficulties in engaging in discussions with the Albanian officer delegates. Despite these challenges, both sides managed to reach an agreement, laying the groundwork for further negotiations and cooperation.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=3 January 1955 |title=Yugoslav–Albanian Relations |journal=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |volume=4 |issue=1 |url=https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP80-00810A005600130002-7.pdf |quote=The first sign of change in this political posture was when the Albanian government invited the Yugoslav government to discuss certain problems concerning their common frontier. General Dušan Mugoša has said that it was very difficult to discuss anything with the Albanian officer delegates, but they did reach an agreement}}</ref>
{{Infobox treaty
| name                    = Pogradec Agreement
| long_name               =
| image                   = <!-- Example.png -->
| image_size              = <!-- 200px -->
| alt                     = <!-- alt-text here for accessibility; see [[MOS:ACCESS]] -->
| caption                 = <!-- Example caption for either image style -->
| type                    = [[Ceasefire|Ceasefire agreement]]
| context                 =
| date_drafted            =
| date_signed             = {{Start date|df=yes|1953|12|09}}
| location_signed         = [[Pogradec]], [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|Albania]]
| date_sealed             =
| date_effective          = {{Start date|df=yes|1954|12}}
| condition_effective     =Division of borders into three sectors
| date_expiration         = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} OR: -->
| date_expiry             = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| provisional_application =
| mediators               = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| negotiators             = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| original_signatories    =
{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]]<br>{{flagicon|Albania|1946}} [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania|People's Republic of Albania]]
| signatories             =
{{flagicon|Yugoslavia}} [[Dušan Mugoša]]<br>{{flagicon|Albania|1946}} [[Mehmet Shehu]]
| parties                 = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| ratifiers               = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| depositor               = <!-- OR: -->
| depositories            = <!-- format this as a bullet list -->
| citations               =
| language                = <!-- OR: -->
| languages               = *[[Albanian language|Albanian]]
*[[Serbo-Croatian]]
| wikisource              = <!-- OR: -->
| wikisource1             = <!-- Up to 5 wikisourceN variables may be specified -->
| wikisource2             =
| wikisource3             =
| wikisource4             =
| wikisource5             =
| footnotes               =
}}
This initial dialogue paved the way for subsequent discussions, ultimately leading to the signing of separate agreements in Pogradec on December 9, 1953. These agreements established a joint commission to address border issues, dividing the border into three sectors and regulating it based on a protocol from 1926. The prompt implementation of measures to mark the border line, completed by December 1954, marked a significant step towards resolving territorial disputes and fostering future collaboration. Additionally, it facilitated the withdrawal of [[Yugoslav People's Army|Yugoslav troops]] from the border with Albania.{{Sfn|Životić|2021|p=125–126}}
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Albania–Yugoslavia relations]]
[[Category:People's Socialist Republic of Albania]]
[[Category:Wars involving Albania]]
[[Category:Wars involving Yugoslavia]]