Nigerians few days ago has been experiencing a significant disruption in their internet network, and many may be surprised to learn that Houthi rebels from Yemen were the cause behind this. The Houthi rebels, known for their status as a religious terrorist group and a ragtag militia, had targeted submarine cables in the Red Sea, leading to widespread connectivity issues in Nigeria.
For those unfamiliar with the Houthi rebels, they are an Islamic terrorist organization operating in Yemen. Despite being fighting under the banner of Islam, they are shunned by Saudi Arabia, the global headquarters of Islam, due to their Shia faith, which aligns them with Iran. It is important to note that Saudi Arabia follows Sunni Islam, creating a division similar to the different denominations in Christianity.
The Houthi rebels, sharing ideologies with groups like Boko Haram and ISIS, engaged in a guerrilla conflict with Saudi Arabia in the past. Even with significant support from the United States, Saudi Arabia was unable to defeat this determined militia.
Currently, the Houthi rebels are launching attacks on commercial ships traversing the Red Sea, disrupting global commerce and the international supply chain. But their actions have escalated, as they now target the underground cables in the Red Sea that provide internet connectivity to Nigeria.
To understand how this affects Nigerians, it is essential to grasp the role of submarine cables in internet infrastructure. Various submarine cables, such as those owned by Natcom Development and Investment Limited, MainOne, and Globacom Limited, transmit internet connectivity from Europe to Nigeria via the Red Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. These cables are crucial for service providers like MTN and Airtel to deliver internet connections to their customers.
Unfortunately, the Houthi rebels’ attacks on these vital submarine cables have not only impacted Nigeria but also disrupted internet connectivity across West Africa. These terrorists are relentless in their sabotage, refusing to stop until Israel declares a ceasefire in Gaza, an issue seemingly disconnected from Nigeria.
However, this situation highlights the interconnectedness of the globalized world we live in. The repercussions of events in faraway Yemen can reach countries like Nigeria, demonstrating the extensive reach of globalization. It serves as a reminder that our world is interconnected and interdependent, necessitating a deeper understanding of these global dynamics
