Uncertainty persists over Afghanistan’s internet connectivity after some networks were partially restored on Wednesday following a nationwide outage that began Monday.

Earlier reports cited a statement allegedly from the Taliban denying that the blackout was deliberate, claiming worn-out fiber optic cables were being replaced. However, the statement was later confirmed as false. It had been forwarded individually to members of an official Taliban WhatsApp media group by an Afghan user whose name resembled the group’s official account. The sender’s identity remains unverified, and the same message appeared on X from a Taliban sympathizer, not the group itself.

Hours later, the official Taliban WhatsApp group issued a genuine statement, saying cellphone services are gradually being restored. Officials from the telecommunications technical department said teams are working continuously to fully restore connectivity.

UN urges Taliban to restore internet across Afghanistan

Internet watchdog Netblocks reported partial restoration on Wednesday, noting that the blackout had disrupted banking, commerce, aviation, and humanitarian operations. Afghan carrier Kam Air halted flights since Monday but may resume later Wednesday. Aid groups, including Save the Children, urged authorities to restore reliable communications for critical operations.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Taliban implemented the cut “without clear explanation” and reversed it similarly without explanation, warning that such actions negatively affect economic stability, access to information, and the rights of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls.

Source: AP