Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform faced disruptions after undersea cables in the Red Sea were damaged. The company said users experienced slower connections as internet traffic through the Middle East stalled.
Microsoft redirects global traffic
Microsoft did not reveal the cause of the cable damage but confirmed traffic was rerouted through alternative paths. It stressed that services outside the Middle East were unaffected. Reports indicated that disruptions also spread to the United Arab Emirates and several Asian countries.
Undersea cables vital for connectivity
Cables on the seabed carry data worldwide and serve as the backbone of the internet. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure services in the Middle East might suffer delays due to the fibre cuts.
Watchdogs report international outages
NetBlocks, a group tracking internet access, reported that cable damage affected services in India, Pakistan and other nations. Pakistan’s state telecom provider confirmed the cuts occurred in Saudi waters near Jeddah. It warned that peak traffic hours could strain services further.
Damage investigations raise questions
Undersea cables often break when anchors are dropped, but they have also been targeted intentionally. In February 2024, several Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting connections between Asia and Europe. That event followed warnings from Yemen’s recognised government that the Iran-backed Houthi movement might attack the infrastructure. The Houthis denied involvement.
Fears of sabotage spread to Europe
In the Baltic Sea, several cables and pipelines have been damaged since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Swedish authorities detained a vessel suspected of harming a cable to Latvia. Prosecutors said early evidence suggested sabotage.
