Attack on Gjirokastër in 1997 (Albanian: Sulmi i 7-8 Marsit 1997 mbi Gjirokastrën) was the attack of the rebel forces of Saranda, in cooperation with local residents on the city of Gjirokastra. The attack was planned on March 6, from the Rescue Committee of Saranda.
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Greek TV on March 6 "Sky", at 17:00 o'clock news (16:00 in our time) announcing that: "A few minuteshave emerged from the meeting the leaders of armed groups of Saranda, who have decided to Gjirokastra attack at dinner tonight. They will not leave patrols and eagerly await trial that will be popular today is three prisoners captured in the main square of Sarande who allegedly SHIK employees and northern belonging. "
On the morning of March 7, numerous forces attack Gjirokastra and Saranda division of this city. Developed severe fighting, but betrayal in the ranks of the military makes the division of surrender. On top of Gjirokastra rebels, driving a tank and the Greek military clothes, put two former members of the DAP (Democratic Alliance Party) and Ridvan Peshkëpia Arben Imami, who formally declared secession from the party. Rebels take control of armament depots and some heavy military vehicles (tanks and cannons). The fighting continued during the March 8 date. Special forces from Tirana arrive by helicopter, but dekonspirohen and just sit on the ground surrounded and attacked by armed gangs and hijack a large number of auxiliary military forces of Tirana and fired up the helicopter. In the evening crowds attack the most private units in the city. At midnight attack and spoiled milk processing factory in Libohove.
With the fall of Gjirokastra in the hands of rebels, all south of the country gets out of control. The only rulers who enter freely into South cities in Greece are those who usually hold positions pro and anti-government rebels.