NationStates Jolt Archive

Athen's Post (May 8): Albanian Rebel Zog Issues Statement

Yesterday the Imperial Albanian Armed Forces launched a surprise attack upon the traitors who claim to be the legitamate government. They are communists who wish to enslave Albania to the Russians and Germans. At this moment Albanian youths are being sent to German Universities for indoctronation and they are planning the nationalization of the land. I request upon the Western governments to assist me in saving Albania from this great threat.

Signed His Imperial Majesty Zog,
King of Albania and Protector of Kosovo and Macedonia

Telegram From Chaim Weizmann to Albania

It is a terrible event when your nation turns to the red, we have suffered at the hands of Communist's who have taken all our citizens worked for, we cannot currently send forces to aid in your fight but you have our sympathies.

OOC: A link to the Albanian news thread for convenience

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=442043&highlight=Albania

OOC: Okay...Got it.

IC: After reviewing the situation French Parliament has voted not to intervene at this point, as this is so far a purely intenal affair. They have, however, asked the Albanian government if they are interested in purchasing French weapons, armored cars, and Cuirassés(tanks).

Tirana Times Special(June 11): The History Behind the Zog Revolt

Essad Pasha Toptani, now known as Zog; no figure other then President Turkhan Pasha has had so great an influence upon the modern Albania. As such his life shall be reviewed. During Ottoman rule Essad served as the head of their police in Shkoder, where he received a reputation for corruption and possible brutality. It is often said that although he spoke no European language properly, he knew the value of money in all of them. He worked at various projects for his Ottoman masters, Italian intelligence agents, and foreign extremists who had designs on Albanian territory. He was feared and hated by his compatriots. When his first wife threatened to poison him for taking a second wife (he was a poor Muslim but found his religion to be useful) she was greatly admired.

After the Young Turks came to power at the beginning of new century and abandoned their European processions as unsustainable, Albania was thrown into an unprepared independence. Four centuries of neglectful misrule had left Albania the poorest country in Europe, most of the country-side devoid of any improvement since the middle ages. In an attempt to stabilize the country Germany and the Great Powers threw into this mess Wilhelm of Wied, a German Prince. Wilhelm was a “feeble stick” who was devoid of energy and wholly ignorant of our country. In a move of Biblical stupidity Wilhelm made Essad defense minister. Six months later the Wilhelm fled back to Germany and the country collapsed into civil war.

Essad took full advantage of the breakdown in social order and become a noted criminal, involved in extortion and the smuggling of guns, drugs, and any other profitable contraband. During this time he would regularly claim to be President or King (not the only one). In his various attempts to gain power he allied with the powerful Zog family, a powerful group of tribal chiefs, with whom he was related. This is when he started referring to himself as a Zog in an attempt to curry favor. Eventually he crowned himself King Zog the First, with his nephew Ahmed Bey Zog as successor. He never processed any legal power or support other then his immediate family and followers. One of the interesting stories is that of his uniform, a dazzling piece covered with the many medals he awarded himself.

After the formation of the Provisional Government by Turkhan Pasha, who became the countries first true President, the good times ended for Zog. His attempts to disrupt the new order failed and he was forced into hiding to escape assassination from the Government or his many enemies (when Turkhan Pasha was asked whether Zog would be given a trial he at first thought the idea to be a joke, “someone will kill him”). Zog and his family (at least those still loyal to him) survived by fleeing into the Mountainous interior, where power was held not by the new government but by tribal leaders. All interest groups opposed to stability (extremists, fundamentalists, criminals, warlord tribalists) have coalesced around him, although he and his group never had popular support.

In the last four years he has been responsible for numerous attacks against the government and several assignation attempts on President Pasha and other government officials. He has been linked to organized crime groups in Macedonia and Kosovo, one reason why the Yugoslavian government provided us with the 1st division to track him down.

Recently violence has waned, but his presence is still felt with the occasional savage outburst. The attack of Librazhd is a chilling reminder that he is still here to torment us. The town was having a celebration to celebrate the opening of a new school, built with donations and volunteer work. The local district official in charge of education, Teki Bilota, was giving a speech when they came under attack. Thee official, seven police officers and 19 civilians, 6 of them children were killed in the resulting gun battle.

Time is however running out, as the newly modernized Albanian Self Defense Army is preparing to launch an offensive throughout the interior to purge him and his group. It promises to be only a matter of time before he is defeated and killed. Then the last great threat to a peaceful future for Albania will have been removed.

Albania’s Government launches offensive, July 1st . The areas where the offensive takes place are the Librazhd, Diber, Bulqize, and Progradec Districts. These regions are quite mountainous and have many valleys. Also they are along the Yugoslav border so Zog may attempt to flee into Kosovo or Macedonia. The Yugoslavia border patrols have been put on alert for such an event.

A map of the Albanian districts is here (note: cut all population data by 2/3rds):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Albania

Troop Movements:
1st Infantry Regiment (1000 infantry, rifles, 10 machine guns, 1 light artillery piece): Stays in Tirana
2nd Infantry Regiment (same): Stationed in Vlore.
3rd Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Librazhd District
4th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Librazhd District
5th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
6th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
7th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
8th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Progradec District
9th Infantry Regiment (same): Support functions and defense of supply lines
10th Infantry Regiment (same): Support functions and defense of supply lines

The tactics to be used are typical anti-insurgency. Advance slowly, occupy any compromised communities, disarm the communities and round up anyone suspected of aiding the resistance. Once the community is cleared, post guards and move on. (Note: The Italians have provided the Albanian army with the latest equipment and military advisors).

1st Calvary Regiment (1000 calvary, rifles, lances, swords): Advances into the interior, Librazhd district
2nd Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
3rd Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
4th Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
5th Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Progradec District

The Calvary is to serve as scouts and, in combat, flanking of enemy positions so as to trap them.

The Yugoslavian 1st Infantry Division (provided by Yugoslavia), under the command of Albanian officers is to split and support Albanian troop movements in Bulqize and Progradec District. The 1st Volci(special forces basically) Brigade is to be active in the Librazhd District, also under the command of Albanian officers.

The Opposing Force:

King Zog and his merry men: 10 x companies (50 - 100 men each) scattered about the country plus some masc. spies and terrorists hiding in the urban and village areas. Primarily active in the Librazhd, Diber, Bulqize, and Progradec Districts, which are the main areas the resistance is located.

The Yugoslavian troops have been returned home. The current deployment of Government forces against the rebels is...

1st Infantry Regiment (1000 infantry, rifles, 10 machine guns, 1 light artillery piece): Stationed in Tirana
2nd Infantry Regiment (same): Stationed in Vlore.
3rd Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Librazhd District
4th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Librazhd District
5th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
6th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
7th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
8th Infantry Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Progradec District
9th Infantry Regiment (same): Support functions and defense of supply lines
10th Infantry Regiment (same): Support functions and defense of supply lines

The tactics to be used are typical anti-insurgency. Advance slowly, occupy any compromised communities, disarm the communities and round up anyone suspected of aiding the resistance. Once the community is cleared, post guards and move on. (Note: The Italians have provided the Albanian army with the latest equipment and military advisors).

1st Calvary Regiment (1000 calvary, rifles, lances, swords): Advances into the interior, Librazhd district
2nd Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Diber District
3rd Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
4th Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Bulqize District
5th Calvary Regiment (same): Advances into the interior, Progradec District

The Calvary is to serve as scouts and, in combat, flanking of enemy positions so as to trap them.

As of Nov. 1st 1920, one division of Greek troops (10,000 men) have been assisting in the peace-keeping/anti-rebel efforts. The division is split equaly between the Bulqize District and the Progradec District.


The Current Status of the Rebels:

King Zog and his merry men: 10 x companies (50 - 100 men each) scattered about the country plus some masc. spies and terrorists hiding in the urban and village areas. Primarily active in the Librazhd, Diber, Bulqize, and Progradec Districts, which are the main areas the resistance is located.