British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says there is a “significant possibility” that ISIL terrorists brought down the Russian passenger jetliner last Saturday.
Hammond said the assessment is based on sensitive intelligence. The top British diplomat made the comments while he was asked how to rescue the Britons stranded on Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Britain has already suspended all flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh since Wednesday evening. In a statement, Downing Street said the measure was aimed to allow British experts to assess security.
The British authorities have said that no UK bound Aircraft will leave Sharm el-Sheikh until the intelligence services are sure it is safe. Hammond has, however, indicated that flights to rescue the stranded tourists could start on Friday. He said the British authorities are working with their Egyptian counterparts and the airlines to introduce emergency measures to bring British tourists safely and securely back to the UK.