Undersea Cable Cuts In Red Sea Disrupt Internet In Asia, Middle East
A series of undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea disrupted internet access across parts of Asia and the Middle East, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE. Major systems affected include SMW4 and IMEWE, located near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Kuwait’s FALCON cable also impacted.
Connectivity Slows, Cloud Users Affected
Internet users across the region experienced slower speeds and higher latency. Microsoft warned that Azure cloud users might face delays, while overall traffic was rerouted through alternate paths to maintain service. Users whose traffic doesn’t pass through the Middle East were unaffected.
Cause Unclear, Regional Tensions Not Ruled Out
The cause of the cable damage remains uncertain. While Yemen-based Houthi rebels have denied targeting these cables, some regional authorities suggested a possible link to ongoing instability in the area. Repairs are expected to take weeks as specialized ships locate and fix the damaged sections.
