Overview

• At least four major systems were affected — SEA-ME-WE 4, IMEWE, FALCON GCX and, by Tuesday, the rope InIndia Gateway — reducing international capacity for providers.
• Disruptions hit at least 10 countries, including India, Pakistan and the UAE, with Microsoft noting slower service in West Asia though no nation went fully offline.
• Early analysis from the International Cable Protection Committee indicates commercial shipping is the likely cause, with dragged anchors responsible for about 30% of cable faults annually.
• Failures were detected near Jeddah on SMW4 and IMEWE, and impacts were reported in Kuwait via the FALCON GCX system and on UAE networks Du and Etisalat.
• The Bab el-Mandeb route carries about 15 cables through shallow waters that heighten anchor risk, and repairs typically require specialized ships and can take days to weeks.