Red Sea cable cuts disrupt Microsoft Azure, slowing internet for users across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Multiple undersea fiber optic cables in the Red Sea were severed, impacting about 25% of internet traffic between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Microsoft reported increased latency for its Azure cloud platform users. The cause of the cuts remains unclear, with speculation ranging from anchor damage to deliberate sabotage.

The Red Sea is a critical chokepoint for global internet traffic, hosting over 15 submarine cables that carry 90% of communications between Europe and Asia. The damage affected cables like Seacom, TGN-Gulf, AAE-1, and Europe India Gateway, causing noticeable slowdowns in countries like India, Pakistan, and parts of East Africa.

Initial reports suggested Houthi rebels might be responsible, following their attacks on regional shipping, but they denied involvement. A plausible theory points to the sunken Rubymar ship, attacked by Houthis, dragging its anchor across the seabed and damaging the cables, though this awaits confirmation.

Repairs could take months due to regional instability and permit issues in Yemen’s waters. Telecom providers are rerouting traffic through alternative cables and terrestrial networks to minimize disruptions, but the incident highlights the fragility of global internet infrastructure.