Taliban have shut down telecommunication networks in the Khash district of Badakhshan Province following violent confrontations with protesters that have left at least 15 people dead, according to local sources.
The blackout comes amid growing tensions in the remote northeastern district, where residents have staged demonstrations against the Taliban’s counternarcotics crackdown. Protesters claim the Taliban responded with force, using live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Sources told Amu TV that several military helicopters have been seen en route from Kabul toward the area, signaling a potential escalation of the Taliban’s security response.
Residents have warned that if the crackdown continues, they will retaliate by setting Taliban administrative offices on fire.
The Khash district remains sealed off, and communication with the area is now severely restricted due to the network disruption.
Taliban have not issued a public statement about the incident or the reported shutdown of telecommunication services.
Badakhshan has seen sporadic unrest in recent years, with several districts expressing resistance to Taliban’s counternarcotics campaign.
