Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform suffered disruptions after cables in the Red Sea were cut. The company said users experienced delays because internet traffic slowed in the Middle East.
Microsoft finds alternative routes
Microsoft did not state what caused the cable damage but confirmed traffic was redirected through other routes. It stressed that regions outside the Middle East were not affected. Reports over the weekend suggested that connections in the United Arab Emirates and parts of Asia also suffered.
Cables on seabed carry the world’s data
Undersea cables transmit global data and act as the internet’s backbone. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure customers in the Middle East might face higher latency because of the fibre cuts.
Monitoring groups confirm wider impact
NetBlocks, which observes internet access worldwide, reported that the cuts disrupted services in India, Pakistan and other countries. Pakistan’s state telecom provider confirmed the damage happened near Jeddah in Saudi waters. It warned that peak usage hours could increase service problems.
Experts examine reasons for damage
Anchors from ships often damage cables, but sabotage has also occurred in the past. In February 2024, several Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting traffic between Asia and Europe. That incident followed warnings from Yemen’s recognised government that the Iran-backed Houthi movement might target cables. The Houthis denied any role.
Concerns grow in Europe
In the Baltic Sea, cables and gas pipelines have suffered repeated damage since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Swedish authorities detained a ship suspected of harming a cable to Latvia. Prosecutors said early investigations suggested sabotage.
