KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban-led Ministry of Public Works said Saturday that the Salang Pass, a critical transportation route, has been closed to traffic since Friday night due to heavy snowfall, storms and poor visibility.
The ministry attributed the closure to hazardous conditions that have made the mountainous pass unsafe for drivers. Efforts are reportedly underway to clear the route and restore access as soon as possible.
The Salang Pass is a vital artery linking Kabul to nine northern and northeastern provinces, serving as a key economic and logistical hub for Afghanistan. Prolonged closures of the pass have historically disrupted the flow of goods and essential supplies between the capital and remote regions.
Taliban authorities have not provided a timeline for when the passage will reopen.