Undersea Fibre Cable Damaged in Red Sea: Reports Point to Houthi Rebels

Reports have emerged indicating damage to at least one undersea fibre cable in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen, with some attributing the incidents to possible actions by Houthi rebels.

Israeli press outlets, including the Jerusalem Post and Globes, have suggested that several cables, namely AAE-1, Seacom, Europe India Gateway (EIG), and TGN systems, have been affected.

However, Seacom, one of the operators involved, has confirmed damage to its system but refrained from attributing a cause pending further investigation.

The publications claim that the damage to these cables could be a result of attacks orchestrated by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, known to have Iranian backing.

The reported timeline for repairs spans up to eight weeks, a significant disruption with potential widespread ramifications for internet connectivity in the region.

Internet monitoring firm NetBlocks corroborated the disruption, indicating possible cable damage affecting internet services in Djibouti.

However, Seacom has acknowledged the cable issues without explicitly assigning blame to any particular group, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the situation.

According to Seacom’s statements to African press outlets, the disruption affects the segment of the cable running from Mombasa, Kenya, to Zafarana, Egypt.

The company expressed challenges in pinpointing the cause of the disruption, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivity of the location and ongoing tensions in the region.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, there have been social media assertions linking the cable damage to Houthi actions, notably from telecom entrepreneur Sunil Tagare.

However, these claims await verification, and assertions regarding the reluctance of cable ship providers to operate in the region and potential insurance implications remain unconfirmed.

The Houthi rebels, officially known as Ansar Allah, have been implicated in various maritime incidents since November, targeting commercial vessels navigating Yemeni waters.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) previously highlighted implied threats against subsea cables in the Red Sea, reportedly originating from Houthi-affiliated Telegram channels.

However, these claims have been met with denials and counter-accusations from Houthi-backed agencies, labeling them as fabricated lies.

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Houthi

Read also: Houthi Terrorism: Russia’s hand in the Yemeni Crisis

“Reports suggest that Russia has supplied the rebels with weapons, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft guided missiles and other advanced weaponry.”

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The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, serves as a strategic point for global trade, much like the adjacent Suez Canal.

With approximately 17 cables traversing or planned to traverse the Red Sea, any disruptions in this region can have far-reaching consequences for international communications and commerce.

Military experts speculate on the methods employed by Houthi rebels, suggesting possibilities such as trained divers or explosive mines to damage subsea cables, underscoring the potential for sophisticated maritime operations in the area.

In response to allegations, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MTIT), under Houthi administration in Sana’a, has denied involvement in any cable damage, affirming its commitment to safeguarding telecom infrastructure in the region.

The MTIT expressed willingness to facilitate repair efforts, contingent upon obtaining necessary licenses and permits, while clarifying its stance on the passage of international ships within Yemeni territorial waters.

Main Image: By Henry Ridgwell (VOA) – Yemen Fighting Intensifies as Fears Grow of Sectarian Conflict, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70173511