In early September 1943, following the announcement of the Italian armistice with the Allies, German forces swiftly moved to occupy key territories in Southern Europe, including Corsica and Kosovo-Metohija. The German military aimed to secure a strategic advantage in the Mediterranean region and prevent Allied forces from exploiting Italy's weakened defensive positions. Corsica, a strategically important island, was crucial for controlling shipping lanes in the Mediterranean, while Kosovo-Metohija offered logistical and defensive benefits for operations in the Balkans.

The occupation began with a well-coordinated military operation that met little resistance, as the Italian forces, now demoralized after their surrender to the Allies, found themselves quickly overwhelmed. The German army established a significant presence in both regions almost immediately, deploying troops and fortifying positions to repel any potential Allied advance. This occupation was marked by rapid military police actions aimed at suppressing any resistance and securing the territories for German control.

The consequences of the occupation were profound, as it not only demonstrated Germany's intent to maintain control over European territories but also marked a shift in the dynamics of World War II. The newly occupied areas became battlegrounds for the ensuing conflicts between German, Italian, and Allied forces, contributing to the larger narrative of the war in Europe, leading to prolonged struggles in the Mediterranean theater and the Balkans.