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Red Sea Cable Cuts disrupt Internet Access in Asia and Middle East

Undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea caused widespread internet disruptions in parts of Asia and the Middle East on Sunday, March 17, 2024, though the cause of the damage remains under investigation. While the exact source is currently unknown, concerns are rising about potential targeting of critical infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

What Happened?

Multiple undersea cables experienced outages,leading to significant internet slowdowns and outages affecting countries across the region. Initial reports indicated disruptions began on March 17, 2024, impacting connectivity for users in several nations. The extent of the damage and the number of cables affected are still being assessed.

Potential Causes and Houthi Involvement

The Red Sea is a crucial conduit for internet traffic, with a large number of undersea cables passing through its waters. Reuters reports that there is growing concern that the Houthi rebels, who have been launching attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in response to the conflict in Gaza, may be responsible for the damage. The Houthis have previously stated their intention to target infrastructure that supports Israel.

While the Houthis have claimed obligation for attacks on ships, they have not directly claimed responsibility for damaging the undersea cables. Though, experts suggest that the proximity of the cable cuts to areas of Houthi activity raises suspicions.