Yugoslav Partisans

The Yugoslav Partisans, also known as the National Liberation Army, are communist resistance organizations operating throughout the Western Balkans. They are lead by Marshal Josip Broz Tito.

The objective of the Partisans is the liberation of former Yugoslav lands from occupying forces and the creation of a federal, multi-ethnic communist state.

History
In April of 1941 the Axis would invade the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but while the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union was in effect, the Communists refrained from open conflict with the new regime of the Independent State of Croatia. In these first two months of occupation, they extended their underground network and began amassing weapons.

The Communist Party of Yugoslavia began its war of resistance after the Axis commenced Operation Barbarossa. The force quickly grew into possibly the most effective resistance force in occupied Europe, however, the group would also face significant setbacks.

Current Position
The group today has been mostly driven out of Croatia and Bosnia, mainly through German funding for the Croatian Home Guard and a mercilless anti-insurgency campaign by the Ustase regime. They have had more success further afield in Serbia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia.

The Partisans uses a mixture of weapons left over by the Yugoslav Royal Army and also use weapons captured from their enemies.