Afghanistan is experiencing a widespread communications blackout following the Taliban authorities' decision to cut the fiber optic network. This move has left citizens without internet or mobile phone service for the second consecutive day, effectively paralyzing daily life and commerce.

• NetBlocks reports that connectivity dropped to less than one percent of ordinary levels on Monday night.
• A government official stated that "eight to nine thousand telecommunications pillars" would be shut down, affecting services "until further notice."
• This is the first time communications have been shut down nationwide since the Taliban government took power in 2021, with previous partial shutdowns aimed at preventing "vice."