Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud platform experienced disruptions after undersea cables in the Red Sea were damaged. The company said users faced slower connections as internet traffic through the Middle East was delayed.
Microsoft redirects traffic to reduce impact
Microsoft did not specify what caused the cable damage but said it rerouted traffic through alternative paths. It emphasised that services outside the Middle East remained unaffected. Reports over the weekend indicated that the disruptions also affected the United Arab Emirates and parts of Asia.
Undersea cables form the internet backbone
Cables on the seabed carry international data and are considered the backbone of the internet. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure users in the Middle East could experience higher latency because of the fibre cuts.
Monitoring groups report widespread outages
NetBlocks, which tracks global internet access, reported that services in India, Pakistan and other countries were disrupted. Pakistan’s state telecom provider said the damage occurred in Saudi waters near Jeddah. It warned that peak-hour usage could make the delays worse.
Investigators examine possible sabotage
Cables often break due to ship anchors but have also been deliberately attacked. In February 2024, several Red Sea cables were cut, disrupting connections 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 responsibility.
Europe faces similar risks
In the Baltic Sea, undersea cables and pipelines have repeatedly suffered damage since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Swedish authorities detained a vessel suspected of damaging a cable to Latvia. Prosecutors said early evidence suggested sabotage.
