Russian plane shot down after all, offensive against militants in Syria begins

The Russian Kremlin confirmed today that a Russian plane with 224 passengers was shot down over Sinai on October 31, 2015, reports the BH news agency Patria. 

Particles of explosives were found on the wreckage of the plane, and Russian authorities state they will find those responsible for shooting down the plane and will intensify airstrikes against Islamist militants in Syria.

Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's FSB, stated at a meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin that traces of explosives were found on fragments of the downed plane and on passengers' belongings.

- The improvised explosive device contained up to 1 kilogram of TNT and detonated during the flight, causing the plane to explode in the air, scattering fuselage parts over a large distance - Bortnikov said.

- We can clearly say that this was an act of terrorism - Bortnikov said.

Putin said it was one of the bloodiest acts in modern Russian history and ordered the Russian Air Force to intensify its airstrikes in Syria.

- Retaliation is inevitable, we will hunt them down wherever they are hiding - Putin said.