Four Arab countries cut ties with Qatar

 Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, over what they claim to be the Gulf state’s sponsorship of terrorism in the region.

According to Saudi Arabian state news, Riyadh had closed its borders with Qatar, including by sea and air.

"(Qatar) embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at disturbing stability in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda, and promotes the message and schemes of these groups through their media constantly," said the state broadcaster.

Egypt has also closed its airspace, and has banned sea travel from Qatar, its foreign ministry said.

In addition to this, the UAE has given Qatari nationals 48 hours to leave the country, with Abu Dhabi also accusing Qatar of funding terrorism.

Similarly, Bahrain has accused Qatar of funding extremist groups, as well as “meddling in its affairs”.