Taliban Imposes Afghanistan Communications Blackout

The Taliban has imposed a nationwide communications blackout in Afghanistan by severing fiber optic connections across multiple provinces. This action, ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, is intended to prevent 'vice' and has resulted in national connectivity dropping to as low as 1% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks. The blackout affects not only internet services but also mobile and fixed-line telephone services, as they share the same fiber lines. This move is expected to have a devastating impact on Afghanistan's economy, including the banking sector and customs, and further isolates the country from the rest of the world. The fiber optic network, largely built by former United States-backed governments, was once touted as a priority for Afghanistan's development.