(File photo/CGTN)

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Monday that they would be cutting diplomatic relations and all land, sea and air connections with Qatar.

In a statement posted on Bahrain's state news agency, the Gulf Arab state said it was severing contact with Qatar on the grounds that it had been meddling in its internal affairs. It also accused Doha of supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia likewise announced the severance of relations with Qatar in its state media, saying the decision was made for protection of its national security.

Egypt joined the two countries, accusing Qatar of supporting "terrorist" organizations including the Muslim Brotherhood.

The UAE followed the three others, giving diplomats 48 hours to leave due to Qatar's "support, funding and embrace of terrorist, extremist and sectarian organizations."