In a recent development, Houthi authorities have firmly rejected accusations that they are targeting vital underwater telecommunication cables, amidst escalating tensions and concerns over marine safety in the Red Sea region. This comes as Yemen’s internationally recognized government issues a stark warning about the potential for an environmental catastrophe following a recent attack on a commercial vessel.
Recent Ship Attack Raises Alarm
The incident involving the Rubymar, a cargo ship under Belize’s flag but owned by a British company, has brought the situation into sharp focus. After being hit by two missiles on February 22, purportedly by Houthi forces, the ship now poses a significant environmental threat. An oil spill extending 18 miles from the drifting vessel, combined with its cargo of 41,000 tonnes of highly reactive fertilizer, underscores the urgency of the situation.
Telecommunication Cables at Risk?
Amidst these developments, there have been growing concerns about the safety of the Red Sea’s undersea communication infrastructure. The region’s seabed hosts a network of 16 crucial fiber-optic lines, responsible for handling approximately 17% of global data traffic. Recent reports have highlighted damages to several key cables, though the causes remain unclear. While natural incidents frequently lead to such damages, speculation about deliberate sabotage has not been substantiated.
Houthi Denials and Government Warnings
In response to these speculations, Yemen’s Houthi-controlled communications ministry has categorically denied any involvement in damaging the telecommunication infrastructure. Meanwhile, Yemen’s legitimate government has been vocal about the potential risks posed by the Houthis to these underwater assets, emphasizing the need for vigilance among telecom operators.
Solidarity with Gaza or Maritime Threat?
The Houthis, an Islamist group that took control of Yemen’s capital in 2015, have stated their maritime attacks are aimed at ships linked to Israel, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. They suggest that a ceasefire agreement with Hamas could lead to a cessation of their maritime operations. However, these actions and the accompanying denials continue to fuel concerns over the safety of maritime and communication networks in the strategically crucial Red Sea corridor.
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