A Taliban official told Afghanistan International that internet and telecommunications networks have been reactivated on orders from Mullah Hassan Akhund, the group’s prime minister.
The official confirmed that internet services had been cut on orders from Mullah Hibatullah, the Taliban leader.
The Taliban had severed fiber optic internet and telecommunications networks across Afghanistan on Monday, September 29th.
The nationwide blackout disrupted Taliban government institutions’ operations, halting banks, customs offices, and flights.
Tim Burchett, a U.S. House Representative, wrote to Donald Trump’s UN ambassador calling the Taliban’s internet shutdown an “overt attack on the fundamental rights of the Afghan people” and demanded the Security Council condemn this action in a resolution.
Afghan citizens across various provinces including Kabul, Herat, Nangarhar, Jowzjan, Badghis, Nimroz, and Kandahar expressed relief at the restoration of communication services.
Taliban spokespersons have not yet commented on either the internet shutdown or its restoration, leaving many questions unanswered about future connectivity policies.
