KABUL, Afghanistan — The Salang Pass, a key mountain highway linking northern Afghanistan to Kabul, has been temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and storms, Taliban officials said Thursday.
Ashraf Haqshanas, a Taliban spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works, said the closure is aimed at preventing accidents and safeguarding lives and property. Traffic on the Salang Highway, which is used by both passenger and freight vehicles, was halted at 10 p.m. local time and will remain suspended until further notice.
In a public advisory, Taliban authorities urged citizens to avoid traveling toward the Salang region until an official update is issued.
The ministry said maintenance teams from the Salang Protection Directorate are on standby and will begin clearing the route once weather conditions improve.
The Ministry of Public Works also advised the public to limit travel and exercise caution amid ongoing storms and poor visibility.
The Salang Pass is one of Afghanistan’s most critical transit corridors, connecting the capital with at least nine northern and northeastern provinces. It is often subject to closures during winter due to avalanches and severe weather.
