In brief
Experts report that multiple undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut, causing internet access disruption across Asia and the Middle East. Concerns have risen regarding the potential targeting of these cables amid the ongoing conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Israel. Various internet service providers have reported a decrease in connectivity, although the exact cause of the cuts remains unclear.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Recent undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea have caused significant disruptions to internet connectivity in parts of Asia and the Middle East, according to experts. As of Sunday, the cause of these cuts remains unclear.
Concerns have been raised about whether these disruptions are linked to the Houthi rebels from Yemen, who have reportedly intensified their actions to exert pressure on Israel regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, the rebels have denied any involvement in damaging the undersea cables.
Undersea cables are crucial for internet connectivity, as they form the backbone of global online communications alongside land-based and satellite systems. Service providers typically manage multiple access points, allowing them to reroute traffic in case of failures, although this can result in reduced speed for some users.
Impact of the Cuts
Microsoft has indicated that internet latency might increase at certain points due to these cable cuts, even as traffic not routed through the Middle East remains unaffected.
NetBlocks, an organization monitoring internet access, reported that the outages have degraded connectivity in multiple countries, including India and Pakistan. They pointed to failures affecting the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Notably, Saudi Arabian authorities have not disclosed any disruption, and in Kuwait, officials confirmed that the FALCON GCX cable had also been cut. In the UAE, users have reported slower internet speeds on major networks without any official acknowledgment of the issue.
Undersea Cables: Risks and Attacks
Undersea cables can be severed accidentally, such as when ships' anchors are dropped, but they can also be deliberately targeted. Repairs can take weeks as specialized ships and crews are required to work on the damaged sections.
The disruptions are occurring amidst ongoing military actions by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in response to Israel's activities during the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have included targeted strikes and air operations against the Houthis. This recent series of attacks contributes to an already tense digital and military landscape in the region.
In conclusion, Yemeni information minister Moammar al-Eryani has called for the international community to take stronger measures to protect digital infrastructure from escalating threats amidst this ongoing crisis.
