Undersea cables, are they targets?
In a recent incident, several undersea communications cables in the Red Sea have been severed, affecting approximately 25% of data traffic flowing between Asia and Europe, according to Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications. The company stated that it has taken measures to reroute traffic after four of the 15 cables were cut, but the cause of the damage is not yet clear.
The affected submarine cables include Seacom, TGN-Gulf, Asia-Africa-Europe 1, and Europe India Gateway. HGC Global Communications estimates that 80% of west-bound traffic from Asia passes through these cables. The telecoms company has implemented measures to mitigate disruptions for its clients by rerouting data through alternative paths, including cables in mainland China, under the Pacific Ocean to the US, and using the remaining cables in the Red Sea.
The incident raises questions about the possible motivations behind the cable cuts. A US official mentioned that they are investigating whether the cables were deliberately severed or accidentally snagged by an anchor. Last month, Yemen’s internationally-recognized government warned of potential sabotage by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, who control much of the Red Sea coast in western Yemen. The Houthis denied targeting the cables, blaming US and British military strikes for any damage.
The geopolitical implications of these cable cuts are significant, as they come amid heightened tensions in the region. US and British forces have targeted Houthi weapons and infrastructure in response to drone and missile attacks on merchant vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim their actions are in support of the Palestinians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
African telecoms cable operator Seacom reported that initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea. However, the exact cause and responsible party are still under investigation.
Israeli business website Globes and Sky News Arabia have previously suggested that the Houthis were responsible for damaging the cables, pointing to the same four cables running between Jeddah and Djibouti. However, the Houthis’ telecommunications ministry denied these reports, emphasising their commitment to not jeopardising communication cables.
As the investigation unfolds, the international community watches closely to understand the motives behind the cable cuts and the potential impact on global data traffic. The incident adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region, where maritime security and geopolitical tensions intertwine.
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