WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The most recent intelligence gathered by the United States shows that Russia’s Metrojet Airbus A321 that crashed over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula was likely taken by the Islamic State (ISIL) or other terrorists, US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday.
"We believe based on information that we have now that it was likely that Metrojet was brought down by terrorist activity," Kirby said during a press briefing.
Kirby added that Washington had "no reason to doubt" ISIL’s claim of responsibility for the crash, but could not authenticate the veracity of the photo of the alleged bomb used during the crash recently released by the terrorist group.
Russian investigation concluded this week that Airbus A321 had crashed as a result of terrorist activity. Moscow has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the deadly assault that claimed 224 lives.
Meanwhile, Egypt is still conducting its own investigation into the crash.