The conflict near Vačkovica (also rendered as Vackovica or similar variants in Latin script) on October 17, 1889, appears to have been a localized border clash between Montenegrin forces or settlers and Albanian Malisori (Malësorë) highlanders. It is referenced in Montenegrin archival and bibliographic sources, notably in the Bibliografski vjesnik, as one episode in the recurring tensions along the unstable Montenegro-Ottoman frontier in the late 19th century.

Contemporary records describe it as a border incident rather than a large-scale battle. It fits into a pattern of raids, revenge killings, and small armed encounters common in the region during this period. Archival reports from the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs around 1889–1890 frequently mention Malisori crossings, attacks on guards or villages, and retaliatory actions. The Vačkovica event occurred amid heightened sensitivities following larger confrontations in areas like Kuci.

These incidents often followed a cycle: raid, retaliation and diplomatic mediation. The 1889–1890 reports mention specific killings (e.g., of a guard named Đur Lješnjan (Xhur Lezhjani) near Klezna), destruction in localities like Malbiriv, and Montenegrin authorities escorting Malisori for protection amid local fury.

Sources

Bibliografski vjesnik časopis Društva bibliotekara Crne Gore i Centralne narodne biblioteke Crne Gore “Đurde Crnojević. Cetinje. Issues 1-2. 1988

https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/010374282