Sun Sep 07 08:52:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Microsoft Warns of Internet Slowdowns Following Red Sea Cable Cuts; Middle East, South Asia Affected**
**[City, State] –** Microsoft is warning customers of “increased latency” in network connectivity after multiple undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea disrupted internet traffic. The tech giant said that efforts are underway to resolve the issue, which is primarily impacting traffic traversing the Middle East.
The disruption, which began around 05:45 GMT on September 6, is affecting Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing services, although the company maintains that general network traffic outside the Middle East is not affected.
Internet connectivity watchdog NetBlocks reported “degraded” internet connectivity in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and India, resulting in slow speeds and intermittent access. NetBlocks attributed the issues to failures in the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Telecommunications also issued a statement acknowledging potential degradation in service.
The Red Sea is a critical hub for undersea cables that form the backbone of the internet, carrying global data traffic between Asia and Europe. While the cause of the cuts remains unspecified, undersea cables are vulnerable to damage from ships’ anchors and potential attacks. Earlier this year, Yemen’s exiled government alleged that Houthi rebels planned to attack undersea cables in the Red Sea, but the Houthis denied being responsible for cuts that did occur.
The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Microsoft’s ties to Israel. Recent investigations have alleged that Israel’s military is using Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to store information, including intercepted Palestinian phone calls. Microsoft has launched an investigation into these allegations and has fired employees who protested the company’s relationship with Israel.
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