Afghanistan’s main airport and essential services have been thrown into disarray following a nationwide internet shutdown ordered by the Taliban government, leaving the country almost entirely cut off from the outside world.

The Taliban have not provided an official reason for the shutdown, which began Monday and will continue “until further notice.” The blackout has severely disrupted communication, banking, payments, online education, and daily life, particularly affecting women and girls who rely on the internet for learning.

Kabul’s airport was reported to be nearly deserted, with multiple flights canceled or showing “unknown” status on tracking platforms. Passengers were informed that flights might not resume until Thursday at the earliest. Residents noted that while daily life appeared normal on the surface, there was “no communication at all” across the country.

The internet cut, which started in a few provinces and reached the capital on Monday, has left businesses frozen, markets inactive, and banks struggling to operate. Many Afghans described feeling “blind” without mobile or internet access. Online classes, especially for women and girls, have been disrupted, removing one of their last avenues for education and skill development.

According to Netblocks, Afghanistan is experiencing a “total internet blackout,” with telephone services also affected. The Taliban have previously justified fibre-optic restrictions as measures to curb “immorality,” while other recent bans have targeted women’s education, human rights teaching, and midwifery courses.

The shutdown is part of a broader pattern of restrictive measures since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, weeks after the withdrawal of US and international forces.

Source: BBC