Gulf nations declare Lebanon’s Hezbollah a terrorist group

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A Saudi-led bloc of six Persian Gulf Arab nations formally branded Hezbollah a terrorist organization on Wednesday, ramping up the pressure on the Lebanese militant group fighting on the side of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

A statement from council Secretary-General Abdullatif al-Zayani said the bloc decided to implement the terrorist designation because of hostile acts by Hezbollah within its member states.

Al-Zayani accused Hezbollah of charges including seeking to recruit members within the council to carry out terrorist acts, smuggling weapons and explosives, and incitement to sow disorder and violence.