On 11 February, the 11th Airborne Division captured the last Japanese outer defences, thus encircling the whole city.

The Japanese defences were concentrated in three strongholds.

Martin later admitted, after some experience with the Japanese defences, that had attacks been continued on the day he conducted his inspection, they would not have been successful.

With no other options, the 16th Brigade was forced to assault the Japanese defences frontally, advancing straight up the gorge.

In the Torricelli Mountains the 17th Brigade continued its advance against stubborn Japanese defence.

Aircraft attacking from multiple directions had confused and overwhelmed the Japanese defences, resulting in lower casualties and more accurate bombing.

The attack then became a frontal one against the main Japanese defences, which Arnold chose not to press.

Facing tropical disease, difficult terrain and well-constructed Japanese defences, the allies finally achieved victory after experiencing heavy casualties.

It was intended to play a major part in the Japanese defence of the Homeland should the Allied invasion occur.

Facing tropical disease, difficult terrain and well constructed Japanese defences, the allies only secured victory with heavy casualties.