Postribë uprising

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Postribë Uprising

The Postribë uprising was a short anti-communist rebellion in Albania, near Shkodër, that began on September 9, 1946. It was part of the early resistance to the communist regime that had taken power after World War II. The rebels came from Balli Kombëtar, royalists, clan authorities, and other anti-communist supporters who hoped to restore old freedoms and challenge the one-party state.

About 150–200 fighters from northern Albania, led by Osman Haxhia and Jup Kazazi, gathered in Postribë. They planned to seize Shkodër, its prison, a weapons depot, and the Interior Ministry offices, aiming to win public support and perhaps aid from Britain.

On the night of September 9, three rebel columns attacked toward Shkodër and briefly blocked a major highway. Government forces under Musa Daci, with strong Sigurimi involvement, counterattacked and drove the rebels out, especially around the prison. The uprising failed to reach its targets and was crushed within days.

In the crackdown, 65 rebels were killed and 12–19 captured fighters were executed after trials. Dozens of homes in Postribë were burned, and many people were arrested or tortured. Jup Kazazi killed himself to avoid capture; four of his brothers were executed.

The uprising is remembered as one of the earliest anti-communist resistances in Eastern Europe after World War II. It showed strong local support in the northern mountains and demonstrated the regime’s harsh security measures. Over time, the event has been commemorated by anti-communist groups and later Albanian political parties as a symbol of resistance.