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 limit disruption
Microsoft did not disclose what caused the cable damage but said it redirected data through alternative routes. It stressed that services outside the Middle East continued to operate normally. Reports over the weekend suggested that the disruption also affected the United Arab Emirates and parts of Asia.
Undersea cables carry global data
Cables on the seabed transport international data and form the backbone of the internet. On Saturday, Microsoft warned that Azure users in the Middle East could face higher latency because of the fibre cuts.
Monitoring groups report wider outages
NetBlocks, which tracks internet access worldwide, 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 delays.
Investigators explore possible sabotage
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 faces similar threats
In the Baltic Sea, undersea cables and pipelines have been repeatedly 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 evidence pointed to sabotage.
