Taliban denies reports of internet shutdown, says infrastructure 'old'
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The Taliban rejects claims of an internet blackout in Afghanistan, blaming outdated infrastructure amid reports of Kabul airport flight cancellations.
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People enjoy their time on Nadir Khan hill in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (AP)
The Taliban-led government has denied imposing a nationwide internet blackout in Afghanistan, attributing the disruption in connectivity to aging infrastructure.
On Tuesday, the internet monitoring service NetBlocks reported a significant communication outage across Afghanistan. The blackout reportedly followed new measures announced by the Taliban to enforce "morality" regulations.
Phone services were also reportedly affected, compounding the communication challenges faced by residents and institutions.
According to NetBlocks, disruptions began earlier in the week and persisted into Monday, raising concerns about censorship and accessibility.
"Reports circulating about an internet ban are rumors," Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Wednesday in a statement posted on X.
In his statement, Mujahid emphasized that the current issues stem from deteriorating infrastructure rather than any government-imposed restrictions. He said the system is being updated and replaced to improve long-term access.
This marks the government's first public response following widespread claims of an Afghanistan internet blackout earlier this week.
Flight cancellations linked to blackout
Media reports indicate that the internet blackout contributed to the cancellation of all flights at Kabul International Airport. The flight disruptions were allegedly linked to decisions made by the Taliban leadership amid the ongoing Afghanistan communication outage.
Operational challenges at the airport highlighted the critical impact of connectivity issues on both domestic and international travel.
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