Afghanistan Turns Dark: Taliban Shuts Down Internet and Mobile Services Nationwide

Afghanistan Turns Dark: The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has taken another drastic step, ordering the shutdown of internet and telecommunications services across the country. Following this North Korean-style order, approximately 43 million citizens have been cut off from the outside world. According to the global internet monitoring organization NetBlocks, connectivity in the country dropped to less than 1% of normal levels on Monday.

Restrictions Lasting for Several Weeks

This sudden blackout is the result of weeks of restrictions. Earlier this month, Taliban authorities began cutting fiber optic connections in various provinces, disrupting high-speed internet. On September 16, Balkh provincial spokesman Atta Ullah Zaeed announced a complete shutdown of fiber services in the northern region, calling it a "measure to prevent evil."

Connectivity at Zero level

The Taliban order led to a complete shutdown of the internet in the country. According to AFP, its Kabul bureau was also out of contact by 5:45 p.m. Monday. A government official confirmed the blackout, saying that all services would be gradually suspended by evening. The official also acknowledged that there was no other communication option, severely impacting vital sectors such as banking, customs, and trade.

Impact on Essential Services

Afghanistan's 9,350-kilometer fiber optic network was built during the US-backed regime. This network was considered the lifeline connecting the country to the global economy. Its outage has severely disrupted banking, business networks, customs, and mobile internet services. Even satellite TV services have been affected.

Air Flights Also Affected

According to local media, flights from Kabul Airport were also affected. According to Flightradar24, at least eight flights departing from or arriving at Kabul International Airport were canceled on Tuesday.

Continuous Restrictions on Women

Since taking power, the Taliban have imposed continuous restrictions on society. Recently, they ordered books written by women removed from the university education system. Studies on human rights and sexual harassment have also been banned. Women are also prohibited from studying after the age of 12.

Concerns from Human Rights Organizations

Sabena Chaudhry, communications manager for the women's rights organization Women for Afghan Women (WAW), said the blackout is silencing the voices of millions of Afghans. "This has not only cut people off from the outside world, but we have also lost contact with our own staff."