Taliban Internal Rift Internet Shutdown Reveals Power Struggle

One flag, two visions: the Taliban is fracturing from within. A major investigation by the BBC has uncovered a significant clash of wills at the top of the group, suggesting that the barrels of their guns are increasingly pointed inward rather than at external enemies.

Taliban Internal Rift Internet Shutdown: A Defiance of Absolute Power

According to leaked audio obtained by BBC Afghan, Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada warned that internal disagreements could eventually bring the entire Emirate down. The speech, delivered in January 2025, confirmed months of rumors about a split between the 'Kandahar house' and the 'Kabul group'.

The Kandahar faction, led by Akhundzada, advocates for a strict, isolated Islamic state. In contrast, the Kabul group, including powerful ministers like Sirajuddin Haqqani, wants an Afghanistan that engages with the outside world, builds its economy, and potentially allows education for girls.

The September Rebellion

The tension reached a breaking point in late September 2025 when Akhundzada ordered a total internet and phone shutdown to sever the country from the rest of the world. Surprisingly, the internet was back online within 3 days. Insiders report that the Kabul ministers acted against his explicit orders—an act described as nothing short of a rebellion.