Internet disruptions reported in the Middle East and South Asia following damage to undersea cables in the Red Sea.
Internet connectivity in the Middle East and South Asia has recently been impacted following multiple undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. Microsoft, a prominent technology corporation, has acknowledged these disruptions and is currently working to address the connectivity issues. The company reported the interruptions began on September 6, 2025, at 05:45 GMT.
In a public statement, Microsoft noted that users in the region may experience increased latency when accessing its Azure cloud computing services, the world’s second largest after Amazon. However, the company reassured customers that network traffic unaffected by the Middle East routing remained stable. Microsoft has committed to providing daily updates or immediate notification should conditions change.
The internet connectivity monitoring organization NetBlocks has recorded instances of “degraded” service in several countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, as well as India. These issues have resulted in slow internet speeds and intermittent access, drawing attention to the critical role that undersea cables play as conduits for global communication.
Notably, the connectivity disruptions have been traced back to failures in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Telecommunications, a major provider within the country, informed its customers of the potential for service degradation during peak usage hours while assuring them that their international partners are actively addressing the situation.
Undersea cables represent the backbone of global internet infrastructure, linking Asia to Europe and enabling international data traffic. These cables can be vulnerable to physical damage from maritime activities, but also face risks from conflicts, which could lead to significant service interruptions. Although there have been previous allegations regarding potential attacks on these cables, attributing such disruptions has proven complex.
In recent discussions surrounding Microsoft’s role in regional events, the company is facing scrutiny over its connections with various entities amid ongoing regional conflict. While Microsoft has not confirmed allegations about its technologies being used in military operations, it has initiated an internal investigation into claims surrounding the misuse of its cloud services.
The resilience of internet infrastructure and strategic cooperation among Middle Eastern nations underscore the importance of maintaining robust connectivity in this vital region. These developments highlight the interconnectedness of our digital world and the ongoing need for vigilance and collaboration to safeguard essential communication lines.
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