Yemen's UN-recognized government has issued a warning about the possibility of Houthi rebels cutting undersea internet cables off the country's Red Sea coast. The government describes this threat as "a serious threat to one of the most important digital infrastructures in the world."

According to an analysis conducted by Emily Milliken, an analyst at Askari Defense & Intelligence in Washington, D.C., the potential targeting of undersea cables by the Houthis signifies a shifting strategy in the Red Sea. Previously, the rebels focused on disrupting shipping, causing significant disruptions to the global economy. However, they now seem to be considering disrupting the global flow of information.

Milliken noted that undersea cables provide a critical telecommunications network, connecting not only Yemen but entire continents. If damaged, even partially, these cables could lead to the elimination of internet access across large areas, causing major economic disruptions for multiple countries.

It's worth mentioning that currently, the Houthis lack the necessary submersible technology to reach the deep waters where the cables are typically located. Yemen's General Telecommunications Corporation has condemned the threat and urged telecomms groups to refrain from working with the Houthis to prevent any knowledge of the cables falling into their hands.

Yemen Telecom has also encouraged cooperation to ensure the protection of the undersea cables. The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology has denied any involvement or threat to the cables, stating that its ban on Israeli vessels does not apply to those working on the cables.

The United States has been taking pre-emptive action against the Houthis, aiming to protect the shipping lanes they target. US Central Command recently reported striking four anti-ship cruise missiles that were allegedly being prepared for use against ships in the Red Sea.

These developments highlight the escalating tension in Yemen and its potential impact on global connectivity. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on internet access, securing the undersea cables has become a critical priority for maintaining stable and uninterrupted communication networks.