Can't rule out terrorism in Russian plane crash in Egypt: US

At the same time it noted that no determination has been made yet and it is too early to tell why the Russian plane crashed

Russia, Plane crash
Russian Emergency Ministry experts work at the crash site of a Russian passenger plane bound for St. Petersburg in Russia that crashed in Hassana, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Photo: AP/PTI
Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Nov 06 2015 | 9:09 AM IST
The US today said it can't rule out the possibility of a terrorist bombing of the Russian plane over Egypt that killed all 224 people onboard.

At the same time it noted that no determination has been made yet and it is too early to tell why the Russian plane crashed.

"At this point, the US has not made our own determination about the cause of the incident. However, we can't rule anything out, including the possibility of terrorist involvement," said Josh Earnest, White House Press Secretary.

ALSO READ: UK sees IS hand in Russian plane crash

With the UK government announcing steps they are taking to ensure the safety of the British traveling public, Earnest said the Obama administration is reviewing a number of different steps that it can take to enhance security for commercial flights bound for the US from certain airports.

"That's an ongoing process. When we develop those additional measures, we work closely with industry and our international partners to make sure that they are properly and effectively implemented," he said.

The White House statement came in response to questions about the remarks made by British Prime Minister David Cameron that it is "more likely than not" that a bomb brought down Metrojet Flight 9268 over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 on board.

ALSO READ: IS insists it brought down Russian plane in Egypt

US media has been reporting that the American intelligence agencies believe that it was the work of ISIS militant group.

"At this point, we don't have enough information to make our own determination about what exactly occurred. But we do have enough information at this point to not rule out the possibility of terrorist involvement," Earnest said.
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First Published: Nov 06 2015 | 1:57 AM IST

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