A significant disruption to internet services has been reported across several Asian countries, including India and Pakistan, due to damage to subsea cables located in the Red Sea. While experts have confirmed the disruption, the cause of the damage remains under investigation.
Suspicions have turned to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who may be targeting the cables to put pressure on Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza, although the Houthis have denied previous accusations of similar actions.
NetBlocks reported widespread internet connectivity problems across multiple nations caused by damage to subsea cables within the Red Sea region. The technical issues were attributed to faults within the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems, located near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The SMW4 cable system, operated by Tata Communications of India, is a crucial link connecting Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. The IMEWE cable, also connecting India, the Middle East, and Western Europe, is managed by a consortium under the supervision of Alcatel-Lucent. Both organizations have yet to comment on the situation.
Internet users in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have reported slower internet speeds on the government-owned Du and Etisalat networks. The government has not yet formally acknowledged the issue. Saudi Arabian officials have not responded to requests for comment.
Microsoft has acknowledged the situation on its status website, stating that reduced internet speeds may be experienced in the Middle East due to the damaged cables. The company, based in Redmond, Washington, did not elaborate further, but noted that traffic not routed through the Middle East should remain unaffected.
The damage to the cables occurred amid an environment of heightened regional tension, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking Israel in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel has responded with airstrikes, resulting in reported casualties among the rebel leadership.
Earlier in 2024, Yemen’s internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of planning attacks on undersea cables in the Red Sea. While some cables were damaged, the Houthis denied any involvement. However, on Sunday, the Houthi-backed Al-Masirah satellite news channel confirmed the cable cuts had occurred.
From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis have launched attacks on over 100 ships using missiles and drones due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.