Oman Suffers at the Hands of the Houthis After Choosing China

The National Communications Authority in Oman, a sultanate located south of Saudi Arabia and east of Yemen, has reported severe disruptions in the country’s internet services due to damage inflicted on the submarine cables. This issue has been attributed to the Houthis, who allegedly threatened to cause such disruptions.

The incident took place last Sunday when four out of the 17 underwater communication cables near Djibouti in the Red Sea were damaged. These cables are owned by various Western, Indian, and Arab communication groups and serve as crucial links between Europe and Asia. This event was first reported by Globes and caused a global stir in the media industry as it represented the first reported instance of underwater communication cables being damaged by a terrorist organization.

In response to the damage caused, Oman’s communications authority has requested an investigation by the International Cable Protection Council (ICPC). The ICPC is already looking into the incident and has been working on damage control measures. It is also encouraging governments and telecommunications companies to collaborate on the repair of the cables and to devise strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. At this point, no significant damage has been reported outside of Oman as many of the region’s cables remained undamaged and serve as a backup between East and West.

Oman and China’s Relationship Intensifies

It is surprising that Oman, which is proximal to the anti-American bloc, is suffering damage from the Houthis, Iran’s proxy in Yemen. Recent reports indicate that relations between Oman and China are warming. In November, “Vice of America” reported that China is contemplating establishing a base in Oman. Just last week, it was disclosed that Oman is considering purchasing air defense systems from China. The Houthis, who receive political and military support from Iran, are demonstrating solidarity with China by granting Chinese vessels free passage in the Gulf and immunity from attack.

Concurrently, the damage to the submarine cables has affected the allies of the Houthis and Iran, as reported by Globes. One of the damaged cables, AAE-1, connects China with the West through countries aligned with the Iranian-Chinese axis, including China itself, Pakistan, and Qatar. Among the shareholders in the consortium controlling the cable are China Unicom and Yemeni Tel-Yeman. One more cable, Seacom, which was confirmed to have been damaged, also passes through South Africa.