By the mid-1940s, the mountains of northern Albania had retained a stable social structure, with tribal authorities exercising significant power in a system with elements of military democracy.

These isolated communities were characterized by widespread poverty and illiteracy but remained deeply committed to traditional values and social order.

[1] The Catholic Church exerted considerable influence, and traditionalist sentiments prevailed, alongside nationalism and hostility towards Slavic neighbors, especially Yugoslavia.

He found support among the Kelmendi, who, like many northern Albanians, remained loyal to the traditional social order and resisted state interference.

Among his comrades were army officers like Zef Toma, tribal leaders such as Gjon Bajraktari, and the Catholic priest and renowned writer Ndre Zadeja.

[5] This force was part of the broader military-political infrastructure of northern Albanian anti-communists, coordinating with other groups like Balli Kombëtar, the Malesi e Madhe militia, and the Markagjoni resistance in Mirdite.

By November 1944, Shehu had reported the deployment of military units to the Malesi e Madhe district and the readiness to suppress nationalist resistance.

However, Fasliya’s efforts to limit repression clashed with the hardline stance of both the Communist Party and the anti-communist resistance led by Cali.