Judging from the sound both mortars and heavy artillery is being used. Cpl Andreassen decides the direction of the barrage, and counts the seconds from the firing to the impact. By counting the time in between, they are able to tell how far away the artillery is situated. In Mujcat Mahala, right in front, the children are still playing as they are herding the cattle. But the horses are saddled.
Life goes on, and so does the barrage.