Microsoft Azure cloud services are experiencing disruptions due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea, impacting internet traffic across the Middle East and causing delays for users.

The affected cables include the SMW4 and IMEWE systems, managed by Tata Communications and a consortium led by Alcatel-Lucent, with NetBlocks confirming outages affecting multiple countries.

The Red Sea, a crucial telecommunications route connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, has seen damage to these cables, which are vital for international data transfer, and repair efforts are complicated by regional tensions and Houthi rebel activity.

Historical context shows previous cable damages in the region, often attributed to naval activity, geological events, or human error, with suspicions of sabotage linked to the Houthi rebels, who have previously targeted undersea infrastructure.

The incident has raised broader concerns about the security of digital infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive regions amid ongoing conflicts, with the Houthis suspected of attacking the cables to exert pressure amid regional tensions.

Repairing these undersea cables is challenging and can take weeks, as damage is often caused by ship anchors or targeted attacks, with recent incidents in 2024 and early 2025 highlighting the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure.

Microsoft has committed to providing daily updates on the situation, and engineers are rerouting traffic through alternative paths to mitigate disruptions, though full repairs are expected to take weeks.

The outages have caused increased latency and congestion on key routes, affecting users' internet speed and reliability, with some regions experiencing widespread issues, including slow browsing and disrupted online activities.

In addition to the Red Sea disruptions, other regions like the Baltic Sea have experienced cable damage suspected to be acts of sabotage, often linked to geopolitical conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The global reliance on undersea cables is immense, with about 1.4 million kilometers of fiber optic cables supporting essential services worldwide, and the average of 150 to 200 outages annually highlights their vulnerability.

While some connectivity remains available through rerouting, the ongoing disruptions underscore the geopolitical risks and the importance of securing these vital communication arteries.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing monitoring and updates, as regional tensions and the strategic importance of undersea cables continue to pose challenges for repair efforts.