Battles for Plav and Gusinje

The Battles for Plav and Gusinje were conflicts between Montenegro and the League of Prizren, supported by the Ottoman Empire, following the 1878 Congress of Berlin's decision to cede Plav and Gusinje to Montenegro.

These battles occurred between October 9, 1879, and January 8, 1880, and included:

• Velika attacks (October 9 – November 22, 1879): Montenegrin victory in the first attack; Albanian victory in the second.

• Battle of Novšiće (December 4, 1879): Albanian victory.

• Battle of Murino (January 8, 1880): Both sides claimed victory.

• Battle at the Ržanica Bridge (April 22, 1880): Albanian victory.

Battles for Plav and Gusinje
Part of Congress of Berlin conflicts
Date October 9, 1879 – January 8, 1880 Location Plav and Gusinje, present-day Montenegro Result Albanian victory
Belligerents
Montenegro	League of Prizren
Commanders and leaders
Prince Nikola I	Ali Pasha of Gusinje
Strength
15,000-20,000 soldiers	15,000-20,000 soldiers
Casualties and losses
2000 killed	679 killed

Conflict

The League of Prizren's forces were led by commanders such as Ali Pasha of Gusinje and Jakup Ferri, while Montenegro's forces included battalions from Moračani, Bratonožići, Kuči, and Vasojevići.

The conflicts resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 649 irregulars and more than 2,000 soldiers killed.

These battles were part of the broader resistance by Albanian forces against the decisions of the Congress of Berlin, which sought to redraw boundaries in the Balkans without local consent.