Petrit Latifi
In 1914, the Great Powers decided that Epirus, an Albanian inhabited region, was to belong to Albania. This did not favour the Greek Megali-chauvinist forces who immediately attacked Albania, looting, raiding and destroying Albanian villages and civilians. So called “Holy Battalions” attacked Gjirokaster, Korcë, Përmeti and Erseka.
Cited:
“In Europe’s old corner of the Balkans, a fire has broken out, the consequences of which are still unforeseeable. In southern Albania, in Epirus, fighting is raging again. In Greece, as is well known, volunteer bands, so-called “Holy Battalions,” formed some time ago to defend Epirus, which is to fall to the new Albania, for Greece by force of arms.
Greece is currently withdrawing its troops, and the “Holy Battalions” have immediately begun fighting against Albania. The “Holy Battalions,” reinforced by Greek soldiers, which have already displayed increased activity in the last two weeks, have begun an advance against the Albanian gendarmerie positions along the entire line from Gjirokaster to Korcë, raiding a number of towns, looting, and destroying many.
The inhabitants were killed. First, there was a clash between Albanians and Greek bands near Permeti. Fighting also took place at Erseka, in the Kaza colony, where Albanian panic-stricken volunteers under Ahmed Bey repulsed the attack of the “Holy Battalions.” Meanwhile, small skirmishes took place at Le Peleni, near Permti, and in the area of Leskovik.
After the Greek bands received reinforcements from regular Greek soldiers, they managed to overcome the resistance of the Albanian volunteers and advance into the area of Korcë, where a battle lasting several days ensued, the outcome of which is not yet certain due to the conflicting reports. Our map shows the area of the Epirote uprising.”
Reference
Balkan Academia 