An Egyptian militant group affiliated with the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the downing of a Russian passenger plane that crashed in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula on Saturday.
The group claimed responsibility in a statement circulated by supporters on Twitter, Reuters reported.
Officials have not yet identified the cause of the crash that killed all 224 people, including 17 children, on board.
Egyptian security sources earlier on Saturday said early investigations suggested the plane crashed due to a technical fault.
The Islamic State’s semi officials news agency Aamaq, also reported the group’s claim of responsibility for the crash.
“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,” the statement circulated on Twitter said, Reuters reported.
SEE ALSO: Egypt says Russian aircraft crashes in Sinai; no survivors
Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov has dismissed the claims of responsibility and told the Interfax news agency that the reports “must not be considered reliable,” according to the New York Times.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.