Taliban order 'complete ban' on fibre optic internet in Afghanistan province

The Taliban has enforced an internet ban across swathes of northern Afghanistan to "prevent immorality".

Government offices, the private sector, public institutions, and homes across at least five provinces - Kunduz, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Takhar and Balkh - have been disconnected, although mobile networks still work. Local media reports as many as 10 provinces are impacted.

Haji Attaullah Zaid, a provincial Taliban government spokesman, said the ban of cable internet was ordered by Afghanistan's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Mr Zaid added that the measure "was taken to prevent immorality, and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities".

Local news outlet Afghanistan International reports that the fibre optic internet ban will eventually be nationwide. A source told the website: "The order from the Taliban leader is irreversible and will be enforced nationwide." One Balkh resident told the Associated Press that "blocking the internet is beyond my comprehension in such an advanced era," adding that mobile internet can be slow and expensive.

He said: "If this ban continues, it will not only be detrimental to my business but also to others because all our business is done on the internet." Some analysts have warned the move will further curtail the ability of girls to seek education, as some have turned to the internet since the Taliban returned to power. Read more from Sky News:In pictures: Trump's state visit so farHow the US lost its longest warFake Labubu dolls seized It marks the first such ban since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US and Western troops in 2021.

Afghan authorities have sometimes suspended the mobile phone network for security reasons, usually during religious festivals, to prevent the detonation of explosive devices..