Afghanistan is experiencing a near-complete communications blackout for a second day after Taliban authorities cut internet and mobile phone services nationwide. The unprecedented shutdown, which began on Monday night, has reduced connectivity to less than 1% of normal levels, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks.
The Taliban, who retook control in 2021, began gradual restrictions earlier this month, citing the need to 'prevent immorality' on orders of supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. High-speed connections were cut in mid-September in several provinces, and the blackout was extended nationwide on Monday.
Residents report severe disruptions. 'We are blind without phones and internet,' said Najibullah, a 42-year-old shopkeeper in Kabul. 'All our business relies on mobiles. The market is totally frozen.' The banking sector, customs, and other services are also affected, as telecommunications infrastructure relies on fibre-optic networks.
Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi condemned the move, stating it 'deprives millions of Afghans of their livelihoods and fundamental rights to education, healthcare and access to information.' The UN mission in Afghanistan warned the shutdown risks 'inflicting significant harm on the Afghan people, including by threatening economic stability.'
A government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the fibre-optic network would be cut, affecting mobile services, and that the blackout would last 'until further notice.' The Taliban leader reportedly ignored warnings about economic fallout. A UN source said operations are now reliant on radio communications and limited satellite links.
