Banking services have stopped, planes are grounded and aid distribution has been halted. The scope of the blackout is rare, even for a government that has increasingly rolled back freedoms.

Afghanistan woke up to a total internet blackout on Tuesday after the ruling Taliban vowed to cut off access as part of a crackdown on “immoral activities,” sparking fears of further isolation for millions living under their increasingly harsh rule.

Afghanistan's main airport is at a standstill as the country grapples with the fallout of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by the Taliban government. The Taliban has yet to give an official reason for the decision, which took effect on Monday, but did say it would last until further notice. The UN said it risked inflicting significant harm.

Afghanistan faces near-total digital blackout after Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada's directive dismantled the country's fibre-optic network infrastructure.