Recent sabotage incidents have caused major internet outages in Iraq, affecting Basra and Baghdad, with repair efforts underway.

Recent Outages

In Basra, Earthlink Telecommunications reported a widespread internet outage caused by deliberate sabotage of fiber-optic cables belonging to both the Ministry of Communications and Earthlink. The attacks involved cutting main internet supply cables across five separate routes simultaneously, resulting in a complete service disruption for subscribers in the city. The company described the incidents as systematic and criminal, and repair teams have begun restoring service while authorities investigate the sabotage . Similarly, in eastern Baghdad, a fiber-optic cable supplying the area was intentionally cut, causing localized internet outages. Maintenance teams are actively reconnecting the cable to restore service, highlighting the vulnerability of exposed network lines to sabotage and other disruptions .

Iraq's Fiber Optic Network

Iraq has been actively expanding its domestic fiber-optic network and international connectivity. The Ministry of Communications has launched initiatives to extend fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services across urban and rural areas, while also signing agreements for submarine cables connecting Iraq to global networks via Singapore and other countries. These projects aim to improve internet capacity, service quality, and reduce consumer costs . The Silk Route Transit Network, a 3,500-kilometer terrestrial fiber-optic system operated by iQ Group, provides a secure and low-latency route connecting Europe to Asia through Iraq. It is heavily guarded and includes multiple cable landing stations, offering an alternative to traditional maritime routes and enhancing Iraq's strategic role in regional digital infrastructure .

Implications

These outages underscore the critical importance of fiber-optic infrastructure for Iraq's digital economy, public services, and security. Disruptions can affect daily life, business operations, and the country's ongoing digital transformation. The government and private operators are emphasizing both rapid repair and enhanced security measures to protect these vital communication networks . In summary, Iraq's fiber-optic network is both expanding and strategically important, but it remains vulnerable to sabotage, as recent incidents in Basra and Baghdad demonstrate. Repair efforts are ongoing, and authorities are investigating the attacks to prevent future disruptions.