Qatar says probe shows state news agency was hacked

The preliminary results of an ongoing investigation by Qatar’s government showed that the country’s state news agency was hacked, and false statements attributed to its ruler were published, the Qatari interior ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The investigation team confirmed that the piracy process had used high techniques and innovative methods by exploiting an electronic gap on the website of the Qatar News Agency," the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and a few other countries severed diplomatic and trade relations with Doha on Monday, citing security concerns.

Relations between Qatar and its GCC allies were strained after the comments were posted briefly on the Qatar News Agency's website on May 23.