Internet connectivity across parts of Asia and the Middle East has been severely disrupted after multiple undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut, according to experts and monitoring groups.
The incident has raised concerns over the stability of global internet infrastructure, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the region escalate.
Widespread Internet Disruptions Reported
Monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed that “a series of subsea cable outages in the Red Sea has degraded internet connectivity in multiple countries,” including India and Pakistan.
Two major cable systems were affected:
- South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 (SMW4), operated by Tata Communications
- India-Middle East-Western Europe (IMEWE), overseen by a consortium led by Alcatel-Lucent
Both companies have yet to provide an official response.
In the United Arab Emirates, users on Etisalat and Du networks reported slow internet speeds, while Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd. confirmed the cuts in a statement issued Saturday.
Microsoft Confirms Latency Issues
Tech giant Microsoft acknowledged the disruption through its official status website, warning that users in the Middle East “may experience increased latency due to undersea fiber cuts in the Red Sea.” However, the company clarified that internet traffic routed outside the region was not impacted.
Possible Causes: Accidents or Attacks?
Subsea cables can be damaged by ship anchors, natural disasters, or deliberate sabotage. Repairing them often takes weeks, as specialized ships must locate and fix the damaged sections.
While some analysts point to the possibility of deliberate targeting, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have denied involvement despite past allegations. The Houthis are engaged in a prolonged conflict linked to the Israel-Hamas war, during which they have targeted shipping vessels in the Red Sea with missiles and drones.
Geopolitical Tensions Add to Uncertainty
The cable cuts come amid rising regional tensions:
- The Houthis have previously threatened undersea cables as part of their campaign against Israel.
- From late 2023 to 2024, the group targeted over 100 ships, sinking at least four vessels and killing several mariners.
- Ongoing negotiations for a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict remain fragile, with U.S.-Iran relations also under strain.
Experts warn that critical internet infrastructure in conflict zones could face increased risks, potentially threatening global connectivity.
Global Internet Backbone at Risk
Undersea cables are a vital internet backbone, carrying more than 95% of global data traffic. While satellite systems and land-based cables provide backups, reliance on subsea lines makes disruptions like these significant for economies, businesses, and everyday users.
As the situation develops, internet providers across Asia and the Middle East are rerouting traffic to minimize disruptions, though users may continue to face slow speeds and latency issues until repairs are completed.
Red Sea Cable Disruptions Spark Internet Outages
- Red Sea cable cuts have disrupted internet in Asia and the Middle East.
- Microsoft, NetBlocks, and regional ISPs confirmed connectivity issues.
- SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are affected.
- Cause remains unclear — possible ship anchor damage or sabotage.
- Ongoing regional conflicts heighten concerns over intentional attacks.
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