December 22, 1940, the Greek Army releases Himara
After the release of Saranda on December 6, 1940, at the Greek-Italian war of Loukovou on 7 and Pikerasi (Pikerni) in 8 of the same month, the 3rd Division of the Greek Army moved north and 13 December had reached west and northwest of Borsi, the highly fortified line elevation 613 - e Kiparoi with - Kuci , who defended by the Italian division Siena.
 
On 15 December the first attacks of the 12th Infantry Regiment (SP) in the hills of Kiparou failed.
The hill was occupied finally 613 through a snowstorm and Fatal combat won on December 17, causing the enemy to abandon the north. On December 19 were captured, with heavy losses, the 6th SP the strategic the (north of Porto Panormos) and  (north of Pyliouri).

After the opening of the valley and the northwest of Himara on 21 December, the Italians were forced to evacuate the town of Himara in the evening and a little farther Pyliouri releases. Number of prisoners (among them two Colonels) and abundant material devolved into Greek hands although the Italians had plunder and destroy fleeing that could.
At night Saturday, Dec. 22, 1940, Greek troops entered the castle Greek of Epirus, Himara and the unconquered went to Scutaria where the Italians will raise strong resistance.
The Greek Army entered in Himara guided by  many local Greeks himariotes Thanassis Coustas, Anthony Kokkavesis, Savvas Priftis Polymeris Koliaki, P. Bolanos, N. Beleris, G. Dimogiannis S. Lykokas, G. Briggs, C. Dimas, D. Zotos, N. Duke, Gr Priftis P. Gore etc.
On Sunday morning, after the first thanksgiving in the old monastery of Aghios Kosmas, army and people sang "Christ is Risen" in Saints and though it was Christmas Eve. A large dance embraced locals and liberators.