In 16 A.D., Giddianhi had threatened to wage war the very next month if the Nephites did not surrender. However when he saw the Nephites abandoning their border cities and gathering to Zarahemla and Bountiful he may have considered it a gradual capitulation. At least he did not attack for two years.
The Gadiantons did not make an all-out attack on the Nephites but sallied forth from one deserted city after another.