Abstract. This study, using a sequential explanatory mixed design, comprehensively examined the prevalence, severity, and sources of English learning anxiety among Afghan male students learning English as a foreign language at Paktika Institute of Higher Education. In the quantitative part of the study, data were collected from 87 valid respondents using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Descriptive analyses revealed that 69% of the students experienced moderate anxiety and 21.8% experienced high anxiety. Among the various factors, fear of negative evaluation and fear of communication were identified as the most prominent concerns and sources of anxiety. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through purposeful semi-structured interviews with 12 participants and analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed five main themes, which were: fear of negative evaluation, fear of communication, limitations in English exposure and practice, the influence of teacher and peer behavior, and anxiety related to tests and performance. Participants detailed how classroom dynamics, the lack of appropriate environments for using English outside the classroom, and high-risk and stressful assessments contributed to their increased anxiety levels. The findings of this study emphasize the multifaceted and context-dependent nature of language anxiety and show that language learning anxiety among Afghan learners is influenced by multiple cultural, environmental, and educational factors. They also highlight the urgent need to adopt supportive teaching approaches, provide more opportunities for language practice in real-world and informal settings, and train teachers to better manage students’ anxiety.