Sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban temporarily shut down telecommunications networks across Kandahar on Thursday during the presence of their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, at the Eidgah Mosque.
A Taliban spokesperson said the group’s leader performed Eid al-Fitr prayers and delivered a speech at the mosque.
According to the sources, Taliban special forces had deployed anti-drone systems and defensive equipment around the Eidgah Mosque.
These measures came after Pakistan in recent days carried out strikes in Kandahar, including targeting a facility linked to the Taliban leader’s special forces.
However, the Taliban and Pakistan have announced a temporary ceasefire for Eid al-Fitr.
To secure their leader, the Taliban deployed heavy weapons around the mosque, and armed Taliban personnel were also present inside.
According to the sources, all roads leading to the Eidgah Mosque had been under tight security surveillance for several days, and houses near the mosque had also been searched.
The sources added that during Akhundzada’s speech, the use of even basic mobile phones was banned inside the Eidgah Mosque.
