KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works announced that the Salang Pass, a crucial route connecting northern Afghanistan to the capital, has been closed to freight vehicles as of Thursday to allow for highway reconstruction.
In a statement, the ministry noted that smaller vehicles, including passenger transport, can use an alternative route, which will remain open 24/7.
The closure is necessary for reconstruction work being carried out in three sections of the highway, according to the ministry.
This development follows a late July announcement by the ministry that the alternative route for the Salang Pass had been inaugurated.
The Salang Pass is a key artery connecting nine provinces in Afghanistan’s northern and northeastern regions to Kabul and other parts of the country.
