Gulf states are calling attention to the critical roles being played by Iran and its Lebanese terror proxy Hezbollah in propping up the embattled Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal accusing the Shiite-backed regime of conducting a “genocide” against largely Sunni rebel forces. Speaking at a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the foreign minister added that his country “cannot be silent” about the dynamic, and would take measures against the regime and its backers.

“Saudi Arabia is not a country that interferes in internal affairs of countries,” Saud said in a news conference with visiting Secretary of State John F. Kerry. “But an invaded country,” he said in a reference to Hezbollah and Iranian militia fighters joining Assad’s forces, “where genocide is being perpetrated, is not a normal situation. And I can say with clarity that we will help the Syrian people defend themselves.”

Faisal’s comments come as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani  outlined new actions that GCC member states would be taking again Hezbollah members throughout the region.

Several GCC countries have already taken steps to expel those with suspected ties to the terrorist organization. New estimates indicate that the death toll in Syria has risen above 100,000 people.

[Photo: VOAvideo / Youtube]