Taliban Internal Rift and Internet
The image of a unified Taliban is crumbling. For years, the world viewed the group as a single, unbreakable block. However, a recent BBC investigation has exposed a massive Taliban Internal Rift. This division is not just about policy; it is a battle for the very soul of the Islamic Emirate, sparked by a dramatic internet blackout in late September.
The Leaked Warning from the Supreme Leader
The story begins with a piece of leaked audio. In January 2025, the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, gave a secret speech at a madrassa in Kandahar. In this recording, he did not speak of foreign enemies or American sanctions. Instead, he warned of “insiders” destroying the regime from within.
Akhundzada explicitly stated that these internal disagreements could cause the Emirate to collapse. This admission confirms rumors that have circulated for months. The Taliban Internal Rift is no longer a whisper; it is a shouted warning from the man at the very top.
Kandahar vs. Kabul: A Tale of Two Cities
The BBC investigation mapped out two distinct groups fighting for control. On one side is the “Kandahar House,” led by Akhundzada. On the other is the “Kabul House,” comprised of powerful ministers and commanders running the daily government.
The Kandahar faction demands absolute isolation and strict religious purity. The Kabul faction, however, understands that Afghanistan cannot survive without the world. They advocate for economic engagement and limited education for girls.
Comparison of the Rival Factions
| Feature | The Kandahar House | The Kabul House |
| Leader | Hibatullah Akhundzada | Cabinet Ministers/Commanders |
| Base of Power | Southern City of Kandahar | Capital City of Kabul |
| Vision | Strict Isolationism | Economic Engagement |
| Stance on Tech | Ban and Control | Use for Growth |
| Education | Total Restriction | Primary/Limited Access |
The Internet Shutdown Rebellion
The tension boiled over in late September. Akhundzada, fearing outside influence, ordered a total shutdown of the internet and phone lines. For three days, Afghanistan went dark. Then, something unprecedented happened. The internet came back on—without the Supreme Leader’s permission.
Insiders reveal that the Kabul group defied the order and flipped the switch. This was not just a technical correction; it was an act of open rebellion. For a group whose DNA is built on “obedience to the Amir,” this defiance marks a historic turning point in the Taliban Internal Rift.
Why This Split Matters for the World
This rebellion proves that Akhundzada’s grip on power is slipping. The Kabul group, which commands thousands of loyalists and controls the economy, is no longer willing to blindly follow orders that damage the nation’s functionality.
If this rift deepens, it could lead to three possible outcomes: a coup against the Supreme Leader, a civil war within the Taliban, or a fracturing of the country into regional fiefdoms.
Conclusion
The Taliban Internal Rift has moved from rumors to reality. The “Kandahar vs. Kabul” struggle is now defining the future of Afghanistan. When powerful ministers are willing to defy the Supreme Leader to keep the internet running, it shows that even in a strict Emirate, the need for modern connectivity can outweigh blind ideology.
Do you believe the pragmatic Kabul faction will eventually overthrow the hardliners in Kandahar?
Who is Hibatullah Akhundzada?
He is the Supreme Leader of the Taliban, based in Kandahar, known for his reclusive nature and strict hardline views.
What caused the internet shutdown?
Akhundzada ordered the shutdown to cut off communication, but the Kabul faction reversed it to maintain economic stability.
Is the Taliban collapsing?
Not immediately, but the leaked audio confirms that the leadership fears internal divisions could lead to an eventual collapse.
What does the Kabul group want?
They want an Islamic state that engages with the world, builds the economy, and allows for some modernization.
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