Internet Services Cut Across Afghanistan as Taliban Enforces Nationwide Shutdown

Kokcha News Agency: The Taliban has enforced a nationwide shutdown of internet services, including fiber-optic connections, leaving Afghanistan in a state of near-total communication blackout. The decision, which was reportedly ordered by the Taliban leadership, has disrupted not only internet services but also mobile and landline communications across the country.

NetBlocks, an organization that monitors cybersecurity and internet traffic, confirmed that the disruption is intentional and has severely impacted Afghanistan’s connectivity. According to NetBlocks, internet connectivity in Afghanistan has dropped to just 14% of its usual levels, with “near-total disruption” of telecommunications services.

The shutdown comes weeks after the Taliban began restricting high-speed internet in several regions of the country. Earlier, Attaullah Zaid, the spokesperson for the Balkh governor’s office, announced that fiber-optic internet had been completely cut in the northern province of Balkh, citing “moral corruption” as the reason for the decision.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Telecommunications (ATRA) has reportedly issued oral and immediate orders to private telecom companies and internet service providers to cut off fiber-optic connections for homes and businesses. Only government institutions and Taliban-affiliated offices are allowed to use dedicated lines.

The impact of the shutdown has been widespread. Mobile internet services (3G and 4G) have also been severely disrupted, and satellite TV services are down across the country. The AFP news agency reported that it lost contact with its Kabul office, including mobile phone services, around 6 PM local time.

The Taliban’s decision to cut internet services has drawn sharp criticism from both local and international observers. The move is seen as part of the group’s broader efforts to enforce its strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has included numerous restrictions on media, education, and women’s rights since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

The shutdown has also disrupted flights from Kabul International Airport, with reports indicating that air traffic control systems have been affected. Additionally, online broadcasting by Afghan media outlets has been halted, further limiting the flow of information within and outside the country.

Afghanistan’s 9,350-kilometer fiber-optic network, largely built by U.S.-backed governments prior to the Taliban’s return, was once seen as a priority for connecting the country to the world and reducing poverty. However, since the Taliban’s takeover, the country has faced increasing restrictions on internet access, with the latest shutdown marking one of the most severe disruptions to date.