Afghanistan faces nationwide internet blackout under Taliban orders

Kabul: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has shut down internet services across the country.

NetBlocks, a watchdog organization monitoring cybersecurity and internet governance, stated that a "telecommunications blackout is in effect nationwide." According to the organization, internet connectivity in the country has dropped to just 14% of normal levels, suggesting a deliberate disruption of services.

According to international news agency AFP, its Kabul bureau lost all communication, including mobile phone service, around 6:15 PM local time.

The report also noted that Taliban authorities had initiated a crackdown on the internet earlier this month, disconnecting fiber-optic connections in several provinces. In the northern province of Balkh, fiber-optic internet was completely shut down on the orders of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Provincial spokesperson Attaullah Zaid had announced on social media on September 16 that the move was aimed at "preventing immoral behavior," and that alternative arrangements would be made to ensure essential services.

An Afghan local TV channel also confirmed on platform X (formerly Twitter) that fiber-optic internet had been cut off across the country starting Monday afternoon.