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The Taliban government in Afghanistan reject reports of a nationwide internet ban

Updated

The Taliban government on Wednesday rejected reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, saying old fiber optic cables are worn out and are being replaced

The Taliban's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.
The Taliban's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.AP

The announcement was the Taliban's first public statement on a communications blackout that has disrupted banking, commerce and aviation.

Last month, several provinces confirmed an internet shutdown because of a decree from the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.

"There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet," Taliban officials said in a three-line statement in a chat group with Pakistani journalists.