Afghanistan is facing a communications blackout as Taliban authorities shut down internet access across several provinces. The restrictions began in early September, cutting off high-speed connections nationwide.
While the Taliban’s leadership has issued no formal explanation, a provincial spokesperson in Balkh said on September 26 that the order came directly from leader Haibatullah Akhundzada “to prevent immoral activities.” The move follows a series of crackdowns since the group retook control in 2021, including bans on women’s education, curbs on journalists, and widespread repression of dissent.
Afghanistan remains mired in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to Human Rights Watch. The situation has been worsened by foreign aid cuts, the forced return of 1.9 million refugees from Iran and Pakistan, and a deadly earthquake in August 31 that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Located at the crossroads of the Near East, Central Asia, and South Asia, Afghanistan has endured decades of conflict and upheaval. But what did the international mission in the country involve—and how do things look now? Read through this gallery to find out.