Moroni had previously defended the line on the western front (Alma 52:11). But he had to leave that area in order to come to the aid of Teancum in taking the city of Mulek on the east coast. In Moroni’s absence, the Lamanites had made considerable advances, now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites…had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land (Alma 53:8). The two thousand stripling warriors were to assist the wearied army of Antipus in retaking those cities (Manti, Zeezrom, Cumeni, Antiparah, Judea) lost in Moroni’s absence.