Houthis Threaten to Sabotage Internet Cables in Red Sea, Yemen Telecoms Firms Warn
Telecom firms linked to the UN-recognised Yemen government have expressed concerns about the Houthi rebels planning to sabotage submarine cables in the Red Sea, which are crucial for the functioning of the western internet and transmission of financial data.
Telecom Firms Fear Houthi Sabotage of Submarine Cables
Telecom firms associated with the UN-recognised Yemen government have raised alarms over the potential sabotage of a network of submarine cables. These cables stretch across the Red Sea and play a crucial role in the functioning of the western internet and the transmission of financial data. The concern stems from a map published on a Houthi-linked Telegram channel, which showed the path of the cables along the seabed. Accompanying the image was a message indicating Yemen's strategic location and the presence of global internet lines passing near the country.
Yemen Telecom has disclosed its efforts over the past few years to dissuade international telecom alliances from engaging with the Houthis, citing concerns about sharing sensitive information about the submarine cable operations with a terrorist group. It is estimated that approximately 17% of the world's internet traffic is carried through the Red Sea via these underwater cables.
Red Sea Submarine Cables Face Threat from Houthi Militia
Yemen's General Telecommunications Corporation has condemned the Houthi terrorist militia's threats to target international submarine cables. According to the corporation, up to 16 submarine cables, which are vulnerable to damage from anchors and earthquakes, pass through the Red Sea towards Egypt. While one of the most strategically important cables is the 15,500-mile Asia-Africa-Europe AE-1, which connects southeast Asia to Europe through the Red Sea, others are equally at risk.
A report by security analysts at the Gulf Security Forum suggested that the cables have remained secure primarily due to the Houthis' lack of technological advancement rather than a lack of motivation. The report cautioned that although the Houthis do not possess the necessary submersibles to reach the cables, some sections of the cables are located at a depth of 100 meters, making technological tools less essential. The significance of protecting submarine cables was exemplified in 2013 when three divers were arrested for attempting to cut an undersea cable near Alexandria, Egypt, which provides crucial internet capacity between Europe and Egypt.
Houthis Pose Serious Threat to Digital Infrastructure
Information minister Moammar al-Eryani, representing Yemen's Aden-based government, has emphasized the grave danger posed by the Houthis to one of the world's most critical digital infrastructures. He described the Houthis as a terrorist group with no boundaries or limits. The concern over the Houthis extends beyond potential attacks on submarine cables, as the US and UK forces have recently taken military action against the Iran-backed rebels due to their relentless attacks on shipping.
The recent airstrikes carried out by the US targeted five missiles in Yemen, one intended for land attack and the others for targeting ships. This military action followed previous air raids launched by US and UK forces against the Houthis. In response, the Houthis have declared American and British interests as legitimate targets. Tensions have further escalated in the region due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with violence spreading to other countries in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
