In order to separate the mujahideen from the local populations and eliminate their support, the Soviet Army killed and drove off civilians, and used scorched earth tactics to prevent their return. The Soviet Army indiscriminately killed combatants and noncombatants to ensure submission by the local populations. The provinces of Nangarhar, Ghazni, Lagham, Kunar, Zabul, Qandahar, Badakhshan, Lowgar, Paktia and Paktika witnessed extensive depopulation programmes by the Soviet forces.