Afghanistan has been plunged into a nationwide communications shutdown after the Taliban ordered the suspension of fibre optic services “until further notice,” a government source told AFP.

“There isn’t any other way or system to communicate... the banking sector, customs, everything across the country will be affected,” the source, who asked not to be named, said shortly before the cut took effect.

The official warned the disruption would paralyse critical operations, including financial services and trade, as no backup system is available.

Independent watchdog NetBlocks confirmed the collapse, stating that “overall national connectivity is now below 1 percent (of normal levels), making this a comprehensive, or total blackout.”

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