Group affiliated with IS extremists claims responsibility for downing Russian jet over Egypt – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Group affiliated with IS extremists claims responsibility for downing Russian jet over Egypt




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The claims were made via the Aamaq website, an online outlet widely considered to be IS’ semi-official news agency.

The Metrojet’s Airbus A-321 came down over the Sinai peninsula in Egypt early this morning. The aircraft plummeted to the ground shortly after reaching its cruising altitude, reportedly killing all on board.

The cause of the crash remains undetermined at this point, however, Russian officials have played down the claims made in the Aamaq site, stating that IS militants currently lack weaponry that can shoot down an aircraft at such high altitude. Nevertheless, they could not immediately rule out the possibility of an explosive device planted on board, or that extremists may have been able to shoot the plane down as it attempted an emergency landing.

The statement released via Aamaq said: “The fighters of the Islamic State were able to down a Russian plane over Sinai province that was carrying over 220 Russian crusaders. They were all killed, thanks be to God.”

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