Internet Disruption in the Middle East Due to Undersea Cable Cuts
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Recent reports indicate that undersea cables in the Red Sea have been cut, leading to internet access issues in several countries across Asia and the Middle East. The exact cause of these disruptions is still uncertain.
Concerns have been raised that the cables may have been targeted as part of a campaign by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who claim their actions are intended to pressure Israel regarding its military actions in Gaza. However, the Houthis have rejected claims of involvement in attacking these cables previously.
Undersea cables are fundamental to global internet connectivity, functioning alongside satellite connections and land-based lines. Normally, internet service providers have various access points and can reroute traffic to minimize the impact of a cable failure, although this can slow down service for users.
Impact of the Cable Cuts on Connectivity
Microsoft recently informed users that the Middle East might see increased internet lag due to these undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. However, they clarified that internet traffic not routed through this region remains unaffected.
NetBlocks, a group that monitors internet accessibility, reported that several subsea cable outages are degrading internet service in multiple nations, including India and Pakistan. They attributed these issues to failures impacting the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Telecommunications Co. Ltd., a major telecommunications provider in Pakistan, recognized the situation in a statement issued Saturday. Saudi authorities, however, have not commented on the disruption. Similarly, in Kuwait, officials stated that the FALCON GCX cable had been cut, disrupting communications in that oil-rich nation. The situation has also been felt in the United Arab Emirates, with users on Du and Etisalat networks experiencing slower speeds, yet the government has not acknowledged the issues.
Causes of Subsea Cable Cuts
Undersea cables can be accidentally damaged by ships dropping anchors, but they are also potential targets for deliberate attacks. Repairing cut cables can take weeks, as teams must locate the damaged areas underwater.
This latest incident occurs amid ongoing tensions, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been involved in attacks directed at Israel tied to the conflict in Gaza. Israel’s military response has included airstrikes, targeting key figures within the Houthi leadership.
Earlier this year, Yemen’s exiled government warned that the Houthis planned to strike undersea cables in the Red Sea. While several cables were damaged, the Houthis have denied responsibility. Notably, they recently acknowledged the cuts during a broadcast, referencing information from NetBlocks.
In recent months, the Houthis have escalated their attacks, targeting over 100 vessels amid the ongoing conflict. Their actions have resulted in the sinking of four ships and the loss of lives among sailors.
As international discussions about a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict continue, the future remains uncertain. Furthermore, talks between the U.S. and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions are also in flux following military operations targeting Iranian sites.
The situation regarding the undersea cable disruptions highlights the complex connection between international conflicts and technology infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of security in our increasingly connected world.
