1.   In southern Afghanistan, previous night-and-day bombardments have almost emptied Kandahar of its half-million civilians.

2.   Previous bombardments almost emptied Kandahar of its half-million civilians.

3.   Previous night-and-day bombardment has almost emptied Kandahar of its half-million civilians.

4.   Previous night-and-day bombardments have almost emptied Kandahar of its half-million civilians.