A Taliban official said internet and telecommunications services were restored on the orders of the group’s prime minister, Mullah Hassan Akhund, after being shut down on instructions from Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada.

On 29 September, the Taliban administration cut fibre-optic internet and telecom services nationwide, disrupting government institutions, halting banking and customs operations, and grounding flights.

In Washington, US Congressman Tim Burchett wrote to President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, calling the blackout “a flagrant assault on the Afghan people’s fundamental rights.” He urged the UN Security Council to condemn the move in a resolution.

Burchett later said the Taliban’s actions suppress Afghans and deepen the country’s isolation. Taliban spokespersons have not commented on either the shutdown or the subsequent restoration of services.