Microsoft confirmed that its Azure cloud services suffered disruptions after undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut. The company said users of Azure, one of the world’s largest cloud platforms, faced delays because internet traffic through the Middle East slowed.
Microsoft reroutes internet traffic
Microsoft did not reveal what damaged the cables but confirmed it had rerouted traffic through alternative paths. The company stressed that services outside the Middle East were not affected. Reports over the weekend indicated that cable cuts also disrupted connections in the United Arab Emirates and some Asian countries.
Backbone of the internet at risk
Cables on the ocean floor carry global data traffic and form the backbone of the internet. Microsoft warned on Saturday that Azure users could face latency in the Middle East because of fibre cuts in the Red Sea.
Monitoring groups report widespread issues
NetBlocks, which monitors global internet access, reported several cable cuts affecting services in India, Pakistan and other countries. Pakistan’s state telecom provider said the disruption occurred near Jeddah in Saudi waters. It warned that internet use during peak hours could be heavily affected.
Causes of cable damage under scrutiny
Undersea cables often suffer damage from ship anchors, but they have also been targets of deliberate attacks. In February 2024, several cables in the Red Sea were cut, disrupting internet traffic between Asia and Europe. That incident came weeks after Yemen’s recognised government accused the Iran-backed Houthi movement of planning sabotage. The Houthis denied cutting the cables.
Broader concerns about sabotage
In the Baltic Sea, several cables and gas pipelines have been damaged since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Swedish investigators seized a ship suspected of damaging a cable running to Latvia. Prosecutors said early findings pointed towards sabotage.
