Russia logistics hub at Tartous port

Russia plans to launch a commercial logistics hub at the Tartous naval base in Syria by mid-July 2026, aiming to handle 250,000 tons of cargo per month including wheat, grains, and other goods. The project, developed by RusLine and the Russian-Syrian Business Council, is part of Moscow's strategy to maintain influence in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The hub will operate from Pier 4, while Russia retains a military presence on an adjacent berth. The initiative follows Syria's cancellation of a Stroytransgaz contract and DP World's $800 million concession. The US is monitoring the project closely, with Congressman Joe Wilson securing a Pentagon amendment to assess options to reduce Russian influence. Syrian port authority spokesman Mazen Alloush denied the reports, calling them entirely false.