Gulf nations: Hezbollah is ‘terror’ group

Gulf monarchies on Wednesday declared Lebanon’s Hezbollah a “terrorist” group, escalating tensions with the Shia militant organisation that is fighting in support of Syria’s regime.

The designation is the latest step taken by Gulf states against Hezbollah as ties between its main backer Iran and regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia deteriorate.

The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council “decided to consider the militias (of Hezbollah) a terrorist organisation”, GCC secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani said in a statement.

He said the states targeted Hezbollah because of “hostile actions of the militia who recruit the young people (of the Gulf)”.

Mr Zayani cited “their terrorist acts and incitement in Syria, Yemen and in Iraq”, which he said were threatening Arab security.

Saudi Arabia last month halted a $3 billion programme for military supplies to Lebanon in protest against Hezbollah, which has legislators in Beirut’s Parliament.

Announcing the funding cut, a Saudi official said the kingdom noticed “hostile Lebanese positions resulting from the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the state”. He specifically cited Lebanon’s refusal to join the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in condemning attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran in January. Riyadh cut diplomatic ties with Tehran after demonstrators burned its embassy and a consulate following the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia cleric.

The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Last week Saudi Arabia urged its nationals to leave Lebanon and avoid travelling there.