MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan (AFP) - Afghanistan's Taliban authorities expanded their crackdown on internet access Wednesday, severing fiber optic connections in multiple provinces in what officials said was a campaign against "vice." The move, ordered by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has effectively shut down high-speed internet in several regions over two days, leaving tens of thousands without access and sparking concern among locals. In northern Balkh province, fiber optic internet was completely banned on the leader's orders, provincial spokesman Attaullah Zaid said Tuesday. An AFP correspondent confirmed that internet access in Balkh was now only possible via the telephone network, which is disrupted with all operators affected. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have instituted numerous restrictions in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic law.