Media reports in March 2012 suggested that Russian special-forces had arrived at the Tartus port.[25] According to a TASS report published in December 2017, the Tartus facility has been used for supplies of Russian armaments and military cargo since June 2012.[13] Back in June 2012, Russian officials denied reports that they were reinforcing the garrison at Tartus with marines.[26] About 50 Russian sailors and specialist technicians were said[by whom?] to be stationed there then.[27]