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 was delayed.
Microsoft reroutes traffic to maintain service
Microsoft did not explain what caused the cable damage but said it redirected traffic through alternative routes. It emphasised that services outside the Middle East remained unaffected. Reports over the weekend suggested that the disruptions also affected the United Arab Emirates and several Asian countries.
Seabed cables carry global data
Undersea cables transport most international data and form the backbone of the internet. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure users in the Middle East could face latency due to the fibre cuts.
Monitoring groups report wider outages
NetBlocks, which tracks global internet access, reported that services in India, Pakistan and other countries were affected. Pakistan’s state telecom provider said the cuts occurred in Saudi waters near Jeddah. It warned that peak-hour traffic could worsen the delays.
Sabotage remains under investigation
Cables often break from ship anchors but have also been deliberately targeted. 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 involvement.
Europe also faces cable threats
In the Baltic Sea, undersea cables and pipelines have repeatedly been damaged since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this year, Swedish authorities detained a vessel suspected of damaging a cable to Latvia. Prosecutors said early findings suggested sabotage.
