A Gulf Cooperation Council official says the six-nation group plans to pull its monitors from Syria.

The official says a statement is planned outlining the decision to withdraw from the Arab League effort to stem the bloodshed between opposition groups and the government of President Bashar Assad.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak in advance of the announcement.

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.