Internal Tensions in the Taliban: The Battle Over Control and Modernization

Fri Jan 16 2026 11:19:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

New revelations highlight a significant power struggle within the Taliban leadership, marked by a recent controversial internet shutdown and competing visions for Afghanistan's future.

Recent audio leaks reveal a growing rift within the Taliban leadership, primarily between loyalists to Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and a reform-minded Kabul faction. This conflict escalated during an unprecedented internet shutdown, highlighting differing philosophies on governance and Afghanistan’s engagement with the world, raising questions about Taliban unity and future policies.

Audio leaks obtained by the BBC have unveiled a rift at the highest levels of the Taliban leadership, revealing serious internal tensions. The leaks include a warning from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada about internal divisions within the government, expressing concern that these could lead to the collapse of their regime.

The conflict appears to center on two factions within the Taliban: one loyal to Akhundzada, which seeks to uphold a strict Islamic Emirate isolated from modern influences, and another, based in Kabul, that favors more moderate engagement with the outside world, particularly regarding women's rights and education.

This rivalry came to a head in September 2025 when Akhundzada ordered the shutdown of internet services across Afghanistan, a decision deemed essential by his loyalists but opposed by Kabul leaders who understand the critical role of connectivity in governance and trade.

In an unexpected turn, Kabul ministers managed to restore internet access just days after the shutdown by defying the supreme leader's orders. This incident marked a notable shift in the Taliban's internal dynamics, reflecting a growing willingness among Kabul-based leaders to challenge Akhundzada's authority.

As the tensions within the Taliban surface, the future of Afghanistan hangs in the balance, with speculation about how these leadership divisions might affect the Taliban's governance and its dealings with the international community. The question remains whether the Kabul group, comprising members who are more cosmopolitan and pragmatic, will succeed in pushing for reforms in contrast to Akhundzada's hardline stance, particularly on women's rights and education.

While the Taliban leadership has publicly denied a split, the recent events suggest a brewing conflict that could reshape the future of Afghanistan and its policies toward engagement with the world.