Begun, the Cable Wars Have
no attractive target is ignored forever
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.
ah CDR, good Sir. knew this would be on the blog, the instant I got the news....via cable. such an obvious target, as "undersea cables" have been highlighted in several ways, several different venues, quite recently. If you read....you've read em.
But, made me wonder....how might India react to this more direct attack involving them? Once again, I say as I've said for decades, we should be making extra nice with India.