First wheat shipment arrives in Syria since Assad’s ouster

A vessel carrying 6,600 tonnes of wheat has docked at Syria’s Latakia port, marking the first major delivery since rebels overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad.

A ship carrying 6,600 tonnes of wheat has arrived at Syria’s Latakia port — the first such delivery since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels in December, the government announced.

Officials from the new Islamist-led government said that while wheat and other basic goods are not subject to U.S. and U.N. sanctions, difficulties in securing financing have discouraged global suppliers from trading with Syria.

The statement did not disclose the ship’s nationality or origin, though a regional commodity trader said it came from Russia.

Traders noted that Syria has mostly relied on overland imports from neighboring countries this year. Previously, Russia and Iran — key allies of the Assad government — supplied most of Syria’s wheat and oil, but those shipments stopped after Assad’s fall and his subsequent flight to Moscow.

The current government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is prioritizing economic recovery after 14 years of conflict.

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