Houthis Eye Submarine Cables, Raising Fears of Cyberwarfare in the Red Sea

In an article by reporter Anwar Muneer, concerns mount as the Houthis, the Iran-backed armed rebel group in Yemen, hint at targeting global internet infrastructure through submarine cables. As tensions rise in the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb Strait, the potential for cyberwarfare grows, threatening international trade and security. A technical expert from the Yemeni Ministry of Communications shared insights on the Houthis’ capabilities, noting their potential to access the cables that carry 17-30% of global internet traffic. Although doubts linger regarding their technical prowess, the group’s access to advanced weapons and submarines, along with possible support from Iran, raises alarms. Some officials also highlighted the Houthis’ control over Yemen’s telecommunications sector, underscoring the group’s willingness to use their power to further their geopolitical aims, including their commitment to supporting Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The article explores the risks of such actions, their impact on global connectivity, and the political motivations behind them. Read the full article for a comprehensive understanding of this critical issue.