Syria: Syria denied Thursday reports about a Russian commercial logistics center at the Mediterranean port of Tartus, calling the claims 'baseless.'

According to Anadolu Agency, a Western media outlet, citing unidentified Syrian officials, claimed that Russia had begun operating a logistics center at the port. In response, Mazen Alloush, director of public relations at the General Authority for Borders and Customs, emphasized that any projects or agreements related to Syria's ports and border crossings 'are announced exclusively through official channels.' He urged media outlets and the public to verify information through official sources and cautioned against the dissemination of unverified reports that could mislead public opinion.

Tartus is Syria's second-largest port after Latakia and serves as one of the country's key economic and strategic facilities on the Mediterranean coast. In May 2025, the authority signed an $800 million memorandum of understanding with Dubai Ports World (DP World) to enhance the port's infrastructure and logistics services, according to the SANA news agency. The agreement aims to bolster Tartus' role as a major hub for regional and international trade.

The denial comes as Syria's new administration seeks to reassert full control over strategic state facilities and review previous contracts and investments to ensure compliance with domestic laws. This initiative is part of the nation's efforts to maximize economic returns during its recovery and reconstruction phase.