Kabul Internet Shutdown Leaves Afghanistan Isolated

Afghan citizens have voiced sharp criticism over the nationwide shutdown of fiber optic internet, warning that the blackout threatens communication and further isolates the country.

Access to fiber optic internet and mobile networks has been cut in Kabul, while the number of provinces facing internet shutdowns has reached seventeen. The Taliban have not provided any explanation for the disruption across the country.

Residents speaking on Monday, September 29, said that the policies of the Taliban leadership have pushed Afghanistan away from global development and progress.

They argued that the Taliban seek to create a country that is“voiceless, invisible, backward, and dominated by rigid ideology,” and recent actions reflect this vision.

Citizens urged the international community to break its silence on what they described as repressive and inhumane policies, stressing that continued inaction only deepens the crisis.

They pointed to ongoing international engagement with the Taliban, warning that such recognition emboldens the group, reduces its accountability to Afghans, and enables continued“terror-like” practices.

The internet blackout, which cut off fiber optic services nationwide, has left millions without reliable access to information, severely disrupting communications across Afghanistan.

Mobile networks are also facing widespread disruptions, further limiting citizens' ability to connect, share information, or access essential services inside the country.

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