U.S. Intelligence Reports Suggest Russian Plane Was Destroyed by a Bomb

New U.S. Intelligence reports suggest that the destruction of Metrojet Flight 9268 was most likely caused by a bomb planted by ISIS or its affiliates.

Ever since the Russian passenger plane crashed in the Sinai Peninsula five days ago, an Egyptian affiliate of the terror group has claimed credit for the disaster, despite speculations of whether they possessed weapons to bring down high-altitude aircrafts. Russian officials have been launching investigations over the last few days to determine whether the tragedy was caused by any external impact, or if something happened inside of it.

CNN reported today that even though investigations are still ongoing, an official said that “there is a definite feeling it was an explosive device planted in luggage or somewhere on the plane.” Officials did not receive any specific threat reports about the plane prior to its downing, but the assessment cited regional activity, monitored messages and recent intelligence missives in support of its current conclusion.

British officials from Downing Street offered similar findings with their reports, and said in a press statement that the government would be suspending flights from Sharm al-Sheikh to the U.K.

“While the investigation is still ongoing we cannot say categorically why the Russian jet crashed,” said a spokeswoman for Prime Minister David Cameron. “But as more information has come to light we have become concerned that the plane may well have been brought down by an explosive device.”

[Image via screengrab]

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