They’re just sitting there, and in the modern economic system where data and communication in all forms are as critical as fuel - it was only a matter of time;
Four underwater communications cables between Saudi Arabia and Djibouti have been struck out of commission in recent months, presumably as a result of attacks by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to an exclusive report in the Israeli news site Globes.
The successful targeting of the four cables, which are believed to belong to the AAE-1, Seacom, EIG, and TGN systems, marks a serious disruption of communications between Europe and Asia.
Most of the immediate harm will be absorbed by the Gulf states and India,
This is not an easy form of commerce disruption, but from gas pipelines in the Baltic to what we’ve seen here with cables - it is effective and has a pedigree.
As we discussed back in 2019 at the OG Blog, the US Navy kind of invented this form of commerce raiding. As these cables lay across the world’s ocean floors undefended, they will be attacked. The only way to defend them is via an active defense. You have to eliminate your enemy’s ability to put their ships and crews trained to do this sabotage to sea.
Again, the Houthi controlled shoreline is not that vast, nor are their ports many. Where is the world community defending that international order they are always tut-tut’n about?
They’re waiting for the USA and UK to do their wet work that they can then critique from the sidelines.
The usual pattern.
We’ve discussed underwater cables and pipelines more since then if you want to read some more.
Reminds of the time AT&T started laying fiber optic in the neighborhood…. Cutting communication lines is what AT&T excels out when laying down fiber optics. Including water lines, sewer etc.
Houthis have transfer worthy skills and a potential employer if they lay down their scuds.
At some point you have to put SOMEBODY'S boots on the ground to run the Houthis out of the country. They are already at war with the Saudis. As usual, we'd have to kick down the door and do the hard work, but the Saudis (or partners) have to be able to supply enough men for an overwhelming security force to end all of this and just stay there. Then a rotating security force to back them up is all that should be needed..though these particular "allies" tend to get lax over time. We should do it before the Chinese get the idea to do it, get some PR and practical experience.