Taliban cuts wireless internet access in five Afghan provinces

The Taliban has cut off wireless internet services in five Afghan provinces, reliable sources told Afghanistan International on September 17.

Residents in Kandahar, Uruzgan, Helmand, Nimroz, and Balkh provinces have lost access to Wi-Fi networks, which are typically provided through home routers and other wireless devices, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The shutdown comes a day after the Taliban blocked fibre optic internet in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province. Sources within the group said the order was issued directly by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada.

According to sources, the move is part of a wider Taliban strategy to gradually restrict both fibre optic and wireless internet services across Afghanistan. Independent observers have confirmed that over the past three weeks, fibre optic providers nationwide have faced either complete suspensions or major disruptions.

Experts warn that while the restrictions may allow the Taliban to exercise short-term control over information flow, they could inflict long-term damage on Afghanistan’s economy, education, and technological development.

By Sabina Mammadli