Syria

Syria denies Russia operating logistics center in Tartous port

The Syrian Ports and Customs Authority said that any projects or agreements related to the country's ports and border crossings are announced exclusively through official channels, according to its director of relations, Mazen Alloush.

Laith Al-jnaidi

09 July 2026 • Updated: 09 July 2026

SURIYE

Istanbul / Laith Al-jnaidi / Anadolu

The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs denied on Thursday the accuracy of circulating news regarding Russia operating a commercial logistics center in the Tartous port in western Syria, stressing that these claims are "baseless."

The news that the authority denied was circulated by a Western media outlet earlier today, quoting what it claimed were Syrian officials, without disclosing their identities.

In its denial of that news, the authority said in a statement published by its director of relations, Mazen Alloush, on the "Facebook" platform that any projects or agreements related to Syrian ports and border crossings are announced exclusively through official channels.

The authority called for accuracy and obtaining information from its official sources, warning against circulating untrustworthy news due to the misinformation it causes to public opinion.

The Tartous port is the second largest Syrian port after the port of Latakia, located on the Mediterranean coast, and constitutes one of the most prominent economic and strategic facilities in the country.

In May 2025, the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs signed a memorandum of understanding with "DP World" worth $800 million to develop the port's infrastructure and logistics services, contributing to enhancing its role as a major hub for regional and international trade, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency "SANA."

The new Syrian administration seeks to regain full control over vital facilities and sovereign state institutions, and enhance transparency and accountability in the management of national resources.

The new strategy also focuses on reviewing all previous contracts and investments to ensure their compliance with local laws, and achieving the highest possible economic returns that support the recovery and reconstruction phase and serve the public interest of citizens.