[Tuor in Gondolin]

Recall that the fortresses were built to keep Mordor influences
inside that land. Therefore they presumably had been constructed,
and provisioned, for a longterm policy not only of watching but
combating efforts to retake them. One assumes there had to be a
prolonged effort both of some of the nazgul and orcish/mannish
forces to gradually wear down remnants of Mordor military forces
left there, given the historical connections of Gondor with Minas Ithil
especially. It is curious that the ithil stone wasn't evacuated in time,
which seems to suggest a quick investment of Minas Ithil, which is
apparently in conflict with a subsequent two year siege---the extent
of which indicates at least some Gondor individuals of strong will and
character staying there, (perhaps secret exits/entrances used by
Gondor not unlike those at the back of the Caves of Aglarond and
the paths alluded to to escape from Minas Tirith into the White
Mountains)?