The return of the Lamanites from the destruction of Ammonihah directly leads to another confrontation with the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Remembering the Mesoamerican context behind these particular battles we can surmise the reason that the Lamanites reasserted their assault on the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. The key is the revelation in Alma 16:8 that they had lost the captives they had taken from Ammonihah.
As we noted, those captives were essential for the seating of the new king, and their absence once again left the unfulfilled need according to the Mesoamerican cult of war in that area. With the loss of the captives, and the continuing need for those captives, it is no surprise that they once again attempt to provide the captives by attacking the more local foe, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. Once again, however, their need is foiled by the lack of resistance. Just as they were unable to take battle captives form the first encounter, they are unable to do so at this time.
We are not told of the ultimate way in which the Lamanites resolved their problem, and this battle forces the relocation of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies out of the land of Nephi, and therefore out of harm’s way. This refocuses our story on lands far from the land of Nephi, so the ultimate resolution of the seating of the King is not told us.