US Says Airstrikes, Naval Convoys Help Thousands of Ships Transit Red Sea

FILE - A view shows HMS Diamond in the Red Sea on Operation Prosperity Guardian, in this handout image taken on Jan. 6, 2024. (Lphot Chris Sellars via Reuters) FILE - People wave and take pictures as the frigate Hessen is sent off to the Red Sea from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, Feb. 8, 2024, to participate in the international Aspides mission to protect shipping and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden may have put a dent in global trade. But U.S. officials argue a combination of airstrikes and naval convoys are allowing thousands of ships to still make the journey unscathed.