Submarine cable cut in the Red Sea – internet traffic disrupted

According to US media reports, intercontinental data traffic is disrupted because several submarine cables in the Red Sea were cut. The internet is also affected. According to CNN, the damage is forcing providers to reroute up to a quarter of data between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

How the incident came about is still unclear. However, Yemen’s Houthi rebels are suspected of having cut the cables.

Cut submarine cables in the Red Sea: repairs could take weeks

“Initial tests indicate that the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime sovereignty in the southern Red Sea.” As the Washington Post reports, the lines were apparently cut on February 24th. A little later, the NetBlock organization discovered that the Internet in the East African state of Djibouti was interrupted.

The Hong Kong telecommunications company now reports “significant” disruptions to communications networks in the Middle East. A total of three lines from Asia-Africa-Europe 1, Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf were damaged. Among other things, a 25,000 kilometer long cable that connects Southeast Asia with Europe via Egypt has been cut.

According to CNN information, the repairs may not begin for another month – according to the affected South African company Seacom, it will be difficult to get the relevant permits.

Houthis blame US and UK

The operators are keeping a low profile about who is responsible for the damage. However, the internationally recognized government in Yemen warned around three weeks ago that the Houthi rebels could target the submarine cables. The Houthis themselves rejected the allegations and in turn blamed the USA and Great Britain.

Attacks by militias co-financed by Iran have been affecting international shipping traffic for months. According to US information, the container ship “MSC Sky II” was hit by two Houthi missiles in the Gulf of Aden on Monday. The freighter was damaged and there were no injuries.

Sources: “”; “”