Geopolitical dimensions of the Houthi interference with submarine cable communications in the Red Sea
Geopolitical dimensions of the Houthi interference with submarine cable communications in the Red Sea

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines the possible intentional damage of 3 submarine cables inthe Red Sea by the Yemeni Houthis. It considers the history of Yemen's civil war,political and rebel views, potential allies of the Houthis, military arsenal, and motives.This topic is more relevant than ever for several reasons. Firstly, the security ofundersea telecommunications infrastructure is critical to ensuring uninterrupted globalInternet traffic and data exchange. Secondly, the active escalation of the Israeli-Arabconflict and the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea make serious risks andpossible incidents that can lead not only to significant economic losses but also togeopolitical instability. For a detailed analysis, research studies and articles related to the Yemeni civilwar, Iran's involvement and support, and the provision of the necessary militaryresources for attacks on land and sea, as well as the physical structure of the submarinecables were examined. The paper analyzes in detail the incident, and the methods andmeans that could have been used to carry out such an operation. The economic andpolitical consequences of repeated and more serious damage to submarine cables areassessed. The problem described in the paper is important to prevent the highlyprobable sabotage of the submarine fiber optic cable network and to better understandthe consequences.

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