undersea cables under the Red Sea

The Red Sea, a crucial conduit for global data traffic, is under threat from the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Over 90% of data capacity between Europe and Asia runs through cables under the Red Sea, which enters the sea at Bab al-Mandab, a 32-kilometer-wide strait between Yemen and Djibouti and Eritrea. The Houthi militia, designated as a U.S. terrorist organization, seized control of Yemen's side of the strait in September, including the island of Mayyun.

Saudi-backed government forces claimed to have retaken key positions around the strait and the port of Mocha, but the Houthis deny these claims.

Major cloud companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, are scrambling to secure backup internet routes around the Red Sea due to the risk of a single cable cut causing significant disruption. Google recently purchased fiber strands running along Turkish state pipelines, paying a premium price, while Microsoft plans to invest over $400 million in subsea and land links across the Middle East by 2030.

The narrowness of Bab al-Mandab makes it difficult to switch to another sea cable, as most of them also pass through the same tight expanse of water. Repair ships face significant challenges, often requiring permits and safety guarantees to work in the water, leading to delays of one to two weeks. In 2024, three Red Sea cables were damaged, most likely by anchors of drifting cargo ships disabled by missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis. These repairs took months due to the need for permits.

Cloud companies have been testing their land backups to ensure readiness in case of a sea cable break. Despite the higher costs, submarine cable routes remain the preferred option due to their lower prices. However, the situation could change if Yemen settles under a normal administration, as suggested by Martin Frank, a strategic adviser at IQ Networks.