Syrian government shuts down Internet

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Today the Associated Press (AP) has reported a nationwide Internet blackout in war-torn Syria:

BEIRUT (AP) — Two US-based Internet-monitoring companies say Syria has shut off the Internet nationwide.

Activists in Syria reached Thursday by satellite telephone confirmed the unprecedented blackout, which comes amid intense fighting in the capital, Damascus.

Renesys, a U.S.-based network security firm that studies Internet disruptions, says Syria effectively disappeared from the Internet at 12:26 p.m. local time.

Renesys's findings were confirmed by other technology companies operating in the region.

See also: Hidden network of cables will help city stay in the loop

The Washington Post has also covered the news. "Shutting down nationwide Internet service is a remarkable step, one with significant implications for Syria’s economy and security," notes WaPo's Matt Fischer, writing in the Post's WorldViews blog.

Full Stories:Nationwide Internet blackout in Syria (AP via the Houston Chronicle)

Web monitor: 100 percent of Syria’s Internet just shut down (washingtonpost.com)