Questions swirled after four cables were cut; some observers say it may be the Houthis, others say it was an accident.
In Beirut, Lebanon, officials from the United States have reported that undersea telecommunication cables in the Red Sea were severed on Tuesday, causing disruptions to 25 percent of data traffic between Asia and Europe.
A US official informed the BBC that efforts are underway to determine whether the cables were deliberately sabotaged or if the damage occurred due to an anchor dragging along the seafloor.
But what are these cables? Who put them there? How important are they?
Here’s everything you need to know about the world of undersea cables.
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| An undersea cable mab near Yemen |
What are undersea cables for?
Communication signals and messages traverse vast stretches of the ocean via these cables, transmitting telecommunication data at nearly the speed of light.
The Red Sea seabed hosts sixteen fiber optic cables, collectively responsible for handling 17 percent of all international internet data traffic.
Who owns them?
The vast majority of undersea cables worldwide are owned by private entities such as telecom operators or investors. In contrast, only a tiny fraction, approximately 1 percent, are either partially or wholly owned by governments.
What happens if undersea cables are cut?
In summary, global communication faces disruption.
"Subsea infrastructure has become an integral part of the global economy to the extent that its impact can be disproportionately significant," stated Media.
Consider that the Red Sea alone carries 17 percent of all international internet data traffic. If all the cables in this region were compromised, it would severely disrupt communication between Europe and India, and East Asia, as well as affect North and East Africa.
Which cables were cut on Tuesday and how?
On Tuesday, HGC Global Communications reported that four out of approximately 20 submarine cables in the Red Sea—Seacom, TGN-Gulf, Asia-Africa-Europe 1, and Europe India Gateway—were severed. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of these cuts, with theories ranging from accidental interference by an anchor to deliberate disruption.
What effect did that have?
Historically, damaged cables have caused interruptions in internet service, yet Loxton notes that "most companies that rely on these cables have alternative routes" to mitigate such disruptions. HGC Global also stated that the vital traffic passing through the Red Sea has been successfully rerouted.
Is there a Houthi connection to the cables being cut?
The Houthis have released a statement refuting any involvement in the cutting of the cables.
Back in February, the Houthis shared a map on their Telegram channel delineating the routes of the cables along the floor of the Red Sea.
Telecom firms associated with Yemen's internationally recognized government, which opposes the Houthis, expressed concerns that the rebels might aim to sabotage undersea cables.
Loxton remarked on this notion, stating, "It's increasingly perceived as a legitimate target for parties engaged in violent conflict. It represents a high-value target that can be attacked at relatively low cost."
Why did some people think the Houthis did it?
The Houthis have engaged in attacks on Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea, claiming their actions are in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Their most recent attack targeted the Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier, with two missiles. The vessel has sunk and is now leaking oil, raising concerns about the 41,000 tonnes of volatile fertilizer it was carrying.
Incidents where commercial ships lose their anchors, leading to cable damage, are not uncommon. Loxton highlighted a similar incident in 2023 when a Russian fiber optic cable was severed under the Baltic Sea by a Chinese container ship dragging its anchor across the seabed.
Opinions differ among experts regarding the Houthis' capability to damage cables. While some suggest they may require assistance from an ally, others argue that they could possess the capability to cause damage independently.
Loxton emphasized the advancing technology, particularly the accessibility of drones, stating, "operations that previously seemed impossible for a relatively non-sophisticated, non-state actor like the Houthis are now perfectly within their reach."
Where are the world’s undersea cables?
Across the globe, there are approximately 380 operational cables, collectively spanning over 1.2 million kilometers (745,645 miles) in length. This extensive network could stretch to the moon and back with plenty of distance to spare.
These cables are typically bundled together along the seafloor, increasing the likelihood of multiple cables being affected by any damage incurred. Notably, the Red Sea hosts a series of cables running through its relatively shallow waters.