[1] The area was fortified again in 1940, with modern bunkers built as part of the Soviet Molotov Line, but these new fortifications had little to do with the original Austro-Hungarian fortress.

[citation needed] According to Prit Buttar, "...the huge fortress of Przemyśl...had been heavily fortified by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in order to protect the approaches to the Carpathian passes.

In addition to the central fortress, twenty-five smaller forts and twelve major artillery emplacements surrounded Przemyśl.

The remaining troops were left to tie down the Russian forces for as long as possible, and when they were surrounded for a second time they sortied continuously through late November and December.

[1] Food shortages through the spring of 1915 led to the butchering of 13,000 horses to feed the garrison, and by March 14, 1915 the outer fortification had been captured or destroyed by the Russian army.

[1] At this point, in the face of low food and morale, the fortress commander, General Hermann Kusmanek von Burgneustädten decided to break out.