Conflict

Russian Military in Syria

Incident Code

RS4653

Location

معارة النعسان, Maarat al-Naasan, Idlib, Syria

Geolocation

36.0351379, 36.8356507
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: July 23, 2025

(Previous Incident Code: R4399)

Between three and four civilians were injured in alleged Russian or regime shelling of the town of Maarat al-Naasan on October 8, 2021.

According to Syrian Civil Defense, three civilians were injured, one critically, in shelling on the town of Maarat al-Naasan by the regime and Russia. They added that their volunteers inspected the area for any other casualties.

Local activist @mzmgr941 tweeted that four civilians were injured and named three of them: Mohamed Al-Masry, Ahmed Lazkani, Hamada Ma’adal.

A tweet from @Click_Syria identified Maarat al-Naasan as one of the locations where militants were targeted but they do not indicate that militants were among the injured.

Military sources in the opposition told North-Press Agency that the government forces “bombed with heavy artillery shells residential neighborhoods in the village of Maarat al-Naasan”. The Zaman Al Wasl correspondent added that five artillery shells were launched against the northern neighborhood, which is close to the contact lines with the regime forces.

The majority of local sources that reported on the incident attributed the shelling to the regime. However, local journalist @Almohrar1 attributed the shelling and resulting injuries to Russian forces.

Victims

Individuals

Mohamed Al-Masry محمد المصري
injured
Ahmed Lazkani أحمد لاذقاني
injured
Hamada Ma’adal حمادة معدل
injured

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Artillery
Strike Status
Contested strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported injured
3–4

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Maarat Al Naasan (معارة النعسان), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.0351379, 36.8356507. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

Russian Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Russian Military
Russian Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
Syrian Regime Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Syrian Regime
Syrian Regime position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (2)