FOREIGN Ministry officials have hit out at two Bahraini MPs who appeared in a video with armed Syrian rebels.

Parliament second vice-chairman Shaikh Adel Al Ma'awada and Al Asala Islamic Society bloc president MP Abdulhaleem Murad were seen alongside five men holding AK-47s and a rocket launcher.

Society member Dr Faisal Al Gorair and former MP Hamad Al Mohannadi also appear in the video, which has caused a stir on social media websites.

The group reportedly made the trip to northern Syria to hand over funds collected in Bahrain in support of rebel attempts to overthrow President Bashar Al Assad.

It is understood the men returned to Bahrain yesterday, but could not be reached for comment.

"We have reached the aid to our Syrian brothers," Mr Murad posted on his Twitter account.

"When you want to do something right, you do it yourself and that is what we did."

The Foreign Ministry said the Bahrainis entered Syria without the knowledge or permission of the ministry.

"The government prioritises the security and safety of its citizens and officials at the utmost level and urges all citizens to adhere to gaining the necessary prior permission and not place themselves at risk by crossing any countries or zones of conflict," it said in a statement.

Donations

Parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani declined to comment, but said none of the MPs had notified parliament or him personally about the visit.

Al Asala MP Ali Zayed said the men were not on official parliament duty and therefore should not be criticised.

"They were on a charitable mission to take collected cash donations to those in need in Syria as members of the Islamic Education Society and not Al Asala Islamic Society or parliamentary bloc," he said.

"The four are very courageous and if I was not abroad when they left, I would have joined in their humanitarian mission.

"I have seen the photographs on Twitter and Facebook of the four with the rebels and it is normal considering that as well-known Bahrainis a lot of people are interested to meet them, including the Syrian Liberation Army." mohammed@gdn.com.bh