In brief
Experts confirm that recent disruptions in internet services across multiple countries stem from a likely ship-related incident that damaged key undersea cables in the Red Sea. The affected cables are vital for international communications, raising concerns over cable security in the region. Investigations suggest that commercial shipping activities may be responsible for the incidents, which have impacted at least 10 nations, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A ship is likely responsible for cutting key undersea cables in the Red Sea, resulting in internet outages across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, experts reported Tuesday. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of the internet cables that are critical for global communications.
The International Cable Protection Committee has indicated that 15 submarine cables run through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow stretch of water separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.
On the past weekend, authorities identified several affected cables, including the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 and the India-Middle East-Western Europe cables. Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, noted that the list of impacted cables has since expanded to include the Europe India Gateway cable.
Initial reports suggest the damage occurred off the coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, though local authorities have not confirmed this. The resulting disruptions have affected internet access in multiple Asian and Middle Eastern countries, severely hampering connectivity.
John Wrottesley, operations manager for the committee, indicated that preliminary analysis suggests that the damage was likely caused by commercial shipping activity in the region. He stated that around 30% of such cable damage incidents involve dragged anchors from vessels, resulting in considerable faults.
Experts like Madory pointed out the shallow depth of the cabling in the Red Sea, making them more susceptible to anchor drags from commercial vessels. The cuts have reportedly affected at least ten nations, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE.
Globally, undersea cables are integral to internet infrastructure, with internet service providers typically having multiple access points to reroute traffic during disruptions. However, this can result in delays and latency for users.
Recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against maritime vessels have also raised concerns about the security of undersea internet cables, particularly amid continuing geopolitical conflicts in the region.
