Taliban pulls plug as Kabul drowns in silence

Afghanistan entered complete telecommunications darkness on Tuesday as Taliban authorities cut fiber-optic internet connections nationwide. International media outlets lost contact with Kabul offices while mobile networks and satellite television ceased functioning across the country. The shutdown affected banking operations and business activities, with at least eight airport flights canceled according to tracking services.

Taliban officials provided no timeline for restoration while promising unspecified alternative internet access routes. The blackout follows weeks of deteriorating connectivity in multiple provinces as authorities enforce measures against perceived immorality under Islamic law interpretation. Women face the harshest restrictions with education banned beyond age 12 and recent elimination of midwifery training programs.

Business leaders warned of severe economic consequences from the communications blackout that began around 5 p.m. local time Monday. The Taliban seized control in 2021 following the American military withdrawal and has systematically imposed limitations on daily life. Universities recently removed books written by women and banned human rights instruction as part of expanding social controls.