Afghanistan is now reportedly enduring a sweeping communications blackout after the Taliban ordered the suspension of internet and mobile phone services, leaving the country largely cut off from essential health, financial, and humanitarian operations.
The shutdown, which began Monday, was executed in phases over several hours, according to NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring group.
The blackout, confirmed by human rights groups and U.N. officials, has severely disrupted aid operations following a recent earthquake that killed approximately 2,000 people and injured 3,600 more.
Indrika Ratwatte, the U.N.’s deputy special representative in Afghanistan, described the situation bluntly: “Afghanistan was completely cut off right now, by and large.” Ratwatte said that Taliban authorities informed him Monday that “all telecommunications and fiber-optic services would be suspended until further notice.”
By Wednesday, connectivity had returned only sporadically in Kabul and Herat, residents reported, leaving most of the country in near-total isolation. Previous restrictions had already limited internet access in several northern provinces to suppress what authorities called “immoral activities.”
The blackout has compounded the country’s mounting crises. Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan peace talks, highlighted the disruption to vital services. “Even their own ministers are dumbfounded, unable to answer questions from Afghan business leaders and foreign officials as to why the decision was taken and what is next,” he wrote on X, underscoring the confusion and dysfunction within the Taliban government.
Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have pursued increasingly hard-line policies.
Women are banned from most employment, and girls remain barred from high schools and universities. Last month, Taliban authorities barred Afghan women working with the U.N. from entering its offices.
Despite its restrictive policies, the Taliban government has been engaged in talks with the Trump administration over re-establishing ties, particularly concerning security and economic matters.
Last month, President Trump said discussions were underway regarding the potential return of U.S. control over Bagram Air Base, the former military stronghold abandoned during America’s 2021 withdrawal.
In a limited gesture of goodwill, the Taliban released a U.S. citizen on Sunday, marking the fifth American freed in Afghanistan this year.
The internet shutdown, however, underscores the broader challenges facing Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Essential services—including hospitals, financial systems, and both domestic and international flights—have been disrupted with no clear explanation from the Taliban, further highlighting the regime’s authoritarian control and its impact on everyday Afghans.
The blackout has drawn global concern as humanitarian efforts struggle to reach those in need, while the Taliban’s opaque decision-making raises questions about the regime’s priorities and its willingness to engage constructively with the international community.
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