Microsoft Confirms Azure Service Disruptions

Microsoft has confirmed that its Azure cloud services experienced major disruptions after multiple undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea, impacting users across the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and other Asian countries. While services outside the region remained stable, users reported slower speeds and increased latency in accessing Azure platforms.

Traffic Rerouted to Minimize Impact

In an official statement, Microsoft explained that traffic had been rerouted through alternative paths to reduce downtime. However, the rerouting caused noticeable delays during peak hours.

Independent monitoring group NetBlocks also reported widespread connectivity issues linked to the incident, while Pakistan’s telecom authority warned of slower internet speeds nationwide.

Where Did the Damage Occur?

Reports suggest that the latest cable damage occurred near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The disruption comes as a reminder of the fragility of global subsea internet infrastructure, which handles the vast majority of international data traffic.

A History of Undersea Cable Cuts in the Red Sea

This is not the first time the Red Sea has witnessed critical cable disruptions:

• February 2024 – Cable cuts in the Red Sea slowed traffic between Asia and Europe, with concerns raised about possible sabotage by the Houthi movement, though the group denied involvement.
• Ongoing Risk – The narrow and busy shipping lanes of the Red Sea make cables particularly vulnerable to ship anchors, accidental damage, or intentional sabotage.

Global Concerns Over Subsea Infrastructure Security

Beyond the Middle East, undersea cable security has become a growing geopolitical issue:

• In the Baltic Sea, both pipelines and communication cables have been damaged in suspected sabotage incidents since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• Earlier this year, Swedish authorities investigated a ship allegedly involved in damaging a cable link to Latvia.

Experts warn that with geopolitical tensions rising, subsea cables—which are often called the “backbone of the internet”—remain a vulnerable target for both accidents and attacks.

Countries Most Affected

The Red Sea cable disruption had a ripple effect across several regions:

• Pakistan – Telecom authority confirmed slower speeds during peak usage.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Users reported disruptions in cloud-based services.
• India – Some enterprises relying on Azure cloud faced delays.
• Middle East – General latency reported across multiple Gulf nations.

Microsoft’s Response and Next Steps

Microsoft stated that its engineers are working closely with regional telecom providers to restore normal operations. While the immediate latency issues have been partly mitigated, full restoration will likely depend on physical repairs to the damaged cables—a process that can take weeks.

Key Highlights

• Microsoft Azure cloud disruption due to Red Sea cable cuts
• Users in Middle East, Pakistan, India hit with slower internet speeds
• Microsoft rerouted traffic but latency issues persist
• Cable damage near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia reported
• Past incidents: 2024 Red Sea cable cuts slowed Asia-Europe traffic
• Growing risks to subsea internet infrastructure globally
• Pakistan, UAE, India among the worst affected regions

Conclusion

The latest Microsoft Azure disruption highlights the critical role undersea cables play in global connectivity—and their increasing vulnerability in volatile regions like the Red Sea. With digital infrastructure at the center of global commerce, experts stress the urgent need for stronger protection, monitoring, and redundancy in subsea communication systems.

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