Qatar shunned for ‘backing IS’

THE Arab world’s strongest powers have cut ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting Islamist terror groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the Maldives are among those to sever links.

Qatar, set to host football’s World Cup in 2022, denounced yesterday’s move as “based on lies”.

Saudi Arabia’s state news agency SPA said Qatar “embraces multiple terrorist and sectarian groups” .