Citing the need to “protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism,” Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, which is alleged to have been creating instability in the region.
UAE’s official news agency WAM, tweeted that the UAE government has asked Qatar’s diplomatic mission to leave the country within 48 hours.
“The emirates have decided to prevent the entry into and through the country of the citizens of the state,” says another tweet.
Qatari citizens in the UAE have been given 14 days to leave the country for security and precautionary reasons.
It was also announced that all sea and airports coming and going to Qatar will be closed in 24 hours.
Qatar is member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. GCC is a regional alliance viewed as one of the most influential in the Middle East.
Oman remains the only GCC member to maintain ties with Qatar.
