Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform experienced disruptions after undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut. The company said users faced delays as internet traffic through the Middle East slowed.
Microsoft shifts traffic to ease impact
Microsoft did not disclose what caused the cable damage but confirmed it rerouted traffic through different paths. It emphasised that services outside the Middle East were not affected. Reports over the weekend indicated disruptions also reached the United Arab Emirates and several Asian nations.
Cables under sea keep world connected
Cables on the seabed carry international data and are considered the backbone of the internet. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure customers in the Middle East might see higher latency due to fibre cuts.
Watchdogs confirm global disruption
NetBlocks, which tracks internet access worldwide, reported that several countries, including India and Pakistan, suffered service issues. Pakistan’s state telecom provider said the damage occurred in Saudi waters near Jeddah. It warned that peak-time use could further slow connections.
Questions raised over cause
Cables often break because of ship anchors, but past cases involved deliberate attacks. In February 2024, several Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting connections between Asia and Europe. That followed warnings from Yemen’s recognised government that the Iran-backed Houthi movement might target the infrastructure. The Houthis denied involvement.
Sabotage fears spread to Europe
In the Baltic Sea, cables and pipelines have been repeatedly damaged since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Swedish authorities detained a ship suspected of damaging a cable to Latvia. Prosecutors said early findings suggested sabotage.
