KABUL, Afghanistan — The Salang Pass, a critical route linking Kabul with northern provinces, was reopened late Friday after an eight-hour closure caused by severe weather, the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works announced.
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshinas, a Taliban spokesman for the ministry, said in a statement that the highway had been cleared for the passage of small vehicles.
“The snowfall in the Salang area has ceased, although the weather remains cloudy,” the statement noted.
Drivers were advised to proceed with caution and ensure their vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions. Earlier on Friday, heavy snowfall and dense fog had forced officials to temporarily close the highway, a vital artery for trade and travel.
The Salang Pass, which traverses the Hindu Kush mountains, is prone to hazardous conditions during winter, frequently disrupting transportation and posing risks to travelers.
