Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has reportedly left the country amid rising tensions. According to reports, he fled the capital city, Damascus, as Israel continues its airstrikes on Syria. But he is not alone in facing danger. Leaders of Taiwan, Iran, Yemen, and Armenia are also believed to be under serious threat. Due to growing security concerns, strict safety measures have been put in place, and all these leaders are avoiding public appearances for their protection.
Why Israel Is Attacking Syria
After intensifying operations in Iran, Israel has now launched repeated attacks on Syria. The immediate cause is the violent clashes between the Druze and Bedouin communities in the city of Sweida. Syrian newspaper Al Mayadeen has reported that al-Sharaa has left Damascus, possibly heading toward Turkey. Before him, former President Bashar al-Assad had to flee to Russia.
Countries and Their Leaders Under Threat
1. Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria
Ahmad al-Sharaa is reportedly fearing for his life due to threats from Israel. The Druze community has faced violence in Sweida, sparking Israeli anger. Just a day ago, Israel launched a drone strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, seen as a warning. Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad is notorious for targeted killings, as the world saw in Iran. This has led to concerns that either Israel or one of his enemies could exploit the chaos to eliminate al-Sharaa.
2. Lai Ching-te, Taiwan
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is under threat from China. He has received multiple threats and has been accused of violating the One China Policy. Intelligence reports suggest that the Chinese military or pro-China elements in Taiwan may attempt an attack against him.
3. Ali Khamenei, Iran
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei fears for his life after Israel killed several senior Iranian commanders. He was forced to take refuge in a bunker, from where he continued to manage governance and military affairs. Besides Israel and Mossad, domestic unrest and rebel groups like Mujahedin-e-Khalq also pose a threat to him.
4. Rashad al-Alimi, Yemen
Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi is under threat from Houthi rebels. A significant portion of Yemen is controlled by them, and they’ve previously targeted former leaders. Given the ongoing conflict and anti-Israel, anti-US stance of the Houthis, there is also potential danger from international actors, though no direct threat has been issued yet.
5. Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also fears assassination. After the defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and strained relations with Russia, internal dissent and military factions have made him a target. He narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in 2021 and has faced repeated pressure to resign.
