World Bulletin / News Desk

Saudi Arabia on Friday extended sanctions on Hezbollah, in its latest action against the powerful Lebanon-based armed group fighting in support of Syria's regime.

The kingdom froze the assets and prohibited dealings with three Lebanese nationals and four companies.

It named the individuals as: Fadi Hussein Sarhan, Adel Mohammed Sheri and Ali Hussein Zuaitar.

Saudi Arabia also sanctioned Vatech Sarl, Le-Hua Electronic Field Co Ltd, Aero Skyone Co Ltd and Labico Sal Offshore.

The United States Treasury Department last year sanctioned Beirut-based Sarhan and his firm Vatech Sarl, along with Sheri, of Shenzhen, China, and his firm Le-Hua Electronic Field Co.

It alleged they were responsible "for providing material support to enhance the group's military and terrorist capabilities."

Sarhan purchased unmanned aerial vehicles, while Sheri facilitated Hezbollah's efforts to obtain electronics "for transport to Yemen for use in improvised explosive devices by the Huthis", the U.S. Treasury Department alleged.

Saudi Arabia since last March has led an Arab coalition supporting Yemen's government fighting the Iran-backed Huthi rebels which seized the country's capital and other areas.

On Tuesday, Riyadh urged Saudis to leave Lebanon and to not travel there "for their safety", after the kingdom halted a $3 billion programme funding French military supplies to Beirut.

Riyadh cut the aid in response to "hostile" positions linked to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is backed by Saudi Arabia's regional Shiite rival Iran, with whom relations have worsened this year.

Qatar and Kuwait followed with similar travel advisories. But the United Arab Emirates went further, banning its nationals from travel to Lebanon and reduced diplomatic representation there.