Helmand Silenced: Taliban Block Internet Access

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As part of the systematic project of repression and darkening of Afghanistan, the Taliban this time have declared the use of the internet in Helmand province prohibited.

This decision was made after, in recent days, access to the internet in the provinces of Badakhshan, Balkh and Kandahar was completely cut off, and the Taliban officially called its use “immoral” and “forbidden.” Now it is Helmand’s turn, another key province that the Taliban have silenced by crushing digital freedom.

According to local reports, all telecommunication and internet networks in Helmand have gone out of service, and no operator provides active services. Sources confirm that the Taliban have given direct orders to telecommunication companies to cut internet services and to criminalize any activity related to cyberspace.

In some areas, even the use of smartphones has faced threats and prosecution.

This is the fourth province in recent weeks where the Taliban have banned access to the internet. First Badakhshan, then Balkh, after that Kandahar, and now Helmand. This process shows that the Taliban are step by step implementing a precise plan to completely cut Afghanistan off from the digital space and free information.

Eliminating the internet is part of a broader strategy for the total destruction of freedom of expression, connection with the outside world, and silencing of any independent or opposing voice.

The internet is not merely a technological tool; for millions of Afghans, this global network is a source of life, from education and work to contacting migrant families, receiving information in times of crisis, and even access to uncensored news. By shutting down the internet, the Taliban have practically closed the society’s window to breathe and thrown the people into a digital prison, where silence is mandatory and the only crime is to be heard.

Some religious scholars say that the Taliban calling the internet “immoral” has neither a basis in religion nor in ethics, but is a clear attempt to silence the truth.

One religious scholar, who did not want his name revealed, told Zan News: “A society where no news is published, no voice is raised, and no image is seen, is the very society that the Taliban want to create: obedient, dark, isolated and voiceless.”

On the other hand, media activists say that with every province added to the Taliban’s blacklist, the alarm for all of Afghanistan rings louder. This is not just a technical cut, not just a simple blackout. This is a declaration of war against awareness, against freedom, and against humanity. The world must not remain indifferent in the face of this dark and anti-human project.

Wais Najafi, one of the freedom of expression activists, said: “If today Helmand goes silent, tomorrow Kabul, Nangarhar and Herat will also be in line. This war is a war for voice, and if we do not shout now, tomorrow we may not even be able to whisper.”