Overview

• Failures on the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah were cited by NetBlocks, degrading connectivity in India, Pakistan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Microsoft warned Azure customers of higher latency on routes that typically traverse the Middle East and shifted data to alternate paths, while unaffected routes remained stable.
• Azure status updates later showed services operational following mitigation, though some users may continue to experience slower performance on rebalanced routes.
• Regional operators including Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. and UAE carriers Etisalat and Du reported slow speeds and intermittent access as networks rerouted traffic.
• Cable repairs require specialized vessels and coordination in sensitive waters, and the cause of the cuts has not been confirmed despite political claims and Houthi denials.