Red Sea Undersea Cable Cuts Disrupt Internet Across Asia and Middle East
Internet services across Asia and the Middle East faced disruptions on Sunday after undersea cables in the Red Sea were damaged. The incident slowed connectivity in countries including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns over the security of vital global communication lines.
Undersea cables form one of the backbones of the internet, carrying the majority of international data traffic. Along with satellites and land-based lines, they keep the global web connected. When one cable is cut, internet providers usually reroute traffic, but speeds are often reduced.
Microsoft reported that users in the Middle East “may experience increased latency” due to the fibre cuts. Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed outages in multiple countries, citing failures in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These cables are operated by Tata Communications and Alcatel Submarine Networks, though neither has commented on the disruption.
In India and Pakistan, users reported slower access, while in the UAE, subscribers of state-owned networks Du and Etisalat also complained. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates have not officially acknowledged the incident.
The cause of the damage remains uncertain. While cables can be severed accidentally by ship anchors, speculation persists about possible sabotage linked to the ongoing Red Sea conflict. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, engaged in a campaign targeting Israel-linked shipping since 2023, have previously been accused of planning attacks on undersea lines. However, the group has repeatedly denied responsibility.
Subsea cable repairs are often challenging, requiring specialized ships and crews to locate and fix the damage, a process that can take weeks.
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. From November 2023 to December 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 vessels in the Red Sea with missiles and drones, sinking four and killing at least eight sailors. In July 2025, they sank two more vessels, further escalating regional instability.
For now, users across Asia and the Middle East are likely to continue experiencing slower internet speeds until the damaged cables are restored. The episode underscores the fragility of global internet infrastructure and its vulnerability to both conflict and accidental damage.
