Afghanistan entered its second day without internet and mobile services on Tuesday after the Taliban cut fibre optic connections across the country.
Authorities had already curtailed high-speed internet access in certain provinces earlier this month to curb what they described as “vice.” By Monday night, connectivity collapsed to less than one percent of normal levels, according to watchdog NetBlocks.
It marks the first nationwide communications shutdown since the Taliban seized power in 2021 and began enforcing their strict interpretation of Islamic law.
A government official, speaking to AFP shortly before the blackout, said fibre optic lines would be disabled, cutting off mobile networks as well. Between 8,000 and 9,000 telecommunications towers were being switched off, he said, and the restrictions would remain in place “until further notice.”
The official warned that the disruption would hit all sectors, including banking and customs, leaving “no alternative system” for communication.
