Taliban leader fears US covert operations; Akhundzada has banned digital communications, even using regular telephones.
Some local sources have reported that Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has severely restricted access to digital communications around his residence due to concerns about the possibility of assassination by US forces.
According to these reports, the use of fiber optic internet, smartphones and even regular telephones has been banned around his location, and he only uses traditional communication systems.
Given the widespread internet shutdown in Afghanistan, especially in Kandahar province and other provinces, the likelihood of this report being true has been strengthened.
However, such restrictions could indicate the Taliban leader’s serious concern about possible US attacks.
Experts say that such measures are usually taken when a person is in a very sensitive situation and there is a fear that modern communication tools can be easily intercepted and reveal his location.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has demanded the return of control of Bagram Air Base and warned the Taliban that there would be serious consequences if they did not hand it over.
The Taliban, however, rejected this request and stressed that maintaining full control over Bagram is part of Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity.
