Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain announced on Monday they were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalate in the region over accusations Doha sponsors terrorism.

The UAE has given Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the country after Abu Dhabi accused Doha of “supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations,” state news agency WAM said.

Qatari citizens have been informed by the UAE that they have 14 days to leave, while citizens from Qatar have aslo been banned from passing through the UAE.

Emiratis are now banned from visiting or even passing by Qatar by all means.

Saudi news agency SPA said Riyadh cut diplomatic ties and closed borders with its neighbour to “protect its national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism”.

A Saudi official cited by SPA said the country decided to “sever diplomatic and consular ties with Qatar, and to close all land, sea and aviation ports”.

The “decisive” measure was due to “gross violations committed by authorities in Qatar over the past years”, the Saudi statement said.

The United Arab Emirates has given Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. Abu Dhabi accuses Doha of “supporting, funding and embracing terrorism, extremism and sectarian organisations,” state news agency WAM said. Bahrain’s news agency said the tiny kingdom was cutting ties with Doha over its insistence on “shaking the security and stability of Bahrain and meddling in its affairs”.

Sources close to Gulf Daily Mail told that Oman and Kuwait may initiate a reconciliation talk  to ensure the friendly relations between these countries.