On 30 September Afghanistan experienced a systemic, nationwide communications blackout, with internet and mobile phone services rendered inoperative. Monitoring from the international watchdog NetBlocks reported that national connectivity dropped to under one percent of ordinary levels, indicating an intentional government action. Taliban officials confirmed the disruption stems from an order by Taliban leadership to sever the fiber-optic network as part of a directive to implement “morality measures” and curtail “immoral activities”. This disconnection has immobilized economic activity, disrupted essential services, and further isolated the population.