Shocking Disruption: Undersea Cable Cuts in the Red Sea Impact Internet Access Across Asia and the Middle East

Undersea internet cables are vital for connecting regions across the globe. Recently, disruptions occurred in the Red Sea, affecting internet access in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Experts are investigating the cause, but there are fears that Yemen’s Houthi rebels may be involved, as they have previously threatened such infrastructure in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Microsoft reported that users in the Middle East might experience slower internet speeds due to these undersea cable cuts. NetBlocks, which monitors internet access, confirmed that the disruptions affected countries like India and Pakistan, linked to the SMW4 and IMEWE cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite this, internet services not routed through this area remain unaffected.

The South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 (SMW4) cable, managed by Tata Communications, and the India-Middle East-Western Europe (IMEWE) cable, overseen by Alcatel Submarine Networks, were specifically mentioned in reports. Unfortunately, neither company has commented on the situation. In Kuwait, authorities acknowledged that another cable, the FALCON GCX, was also cut, causing issues in that country.

These cuts are serious because undersea cables play a crucial role in global communications. They can be accidentally damaged or targeted in conflicts, and repairs can take weeks. This incident highlights the increasing frequency of attacks in the region. Just earlier this year, there were claims that the Houthis planned assaults on undersea cables, drawing attention from various international stakeholders.

Yemen’s government in exile has accused the Houthis of responsible actions, citing a direct link between their activities and the cable disruptions. Moammar al-Eryani, Yemen’s information minister, stated that this should prompt the international community to take stronger measures to protect digital infrastructure.

The situation continues to evolve, especially as tensions remain high between the Houthis and Israeli forces. Since late 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 ships amid the conflict, resulting in casualties among mariners and considerable unrest in maritime traffic.

In summary, the recent disruptions in the Red Sea underline not just the fragility of global internet infrastructure but also the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The international community must pay close attention as these developments unfold.

For more insights on global internet infrastructure and security, you can check the latest research on submarine cables from the International Telecommunication Union here.

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