The Taliban have shut down internet and telecom services across Afghanistan, creating near-total digital blackout that has halted flights, frozen banks, and cut off millions of people and businesses.

Connectivity dropped to about 1% of normal after the country’s 9,350-km fiber optic network was disabled.

The shutdown, ordered by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, is being rolled out in phases, affecting mobile data, phone lines, and leaving only 2G services active, Fox News has reported.

Officials claim the move aims to curb “immorality” online, but the UN has warned it severely harms citizens and cripples humanitarian operations, including earthquake relief efforts.