MEDIAITE

The Kremlin officially confirmed today that the passenger plane that crashed over Egypt weeks ago was brought down by a bomb, and that Vladimir Putin will pursue revenge against those responsible.

In the wake of the crash that left 224 dead in the Sinai Peninsula, U.S. and foreign investigators have been taking action based on intelligence reports that strongly suggest a bomb was planted on the plane. Security chief Alexander V. Bortnikov spoke at a late-night meeting of Russia’s security council, according to the New York Times, and gave the first definitive confirmation that the country was recognizing the act as terrorism.

While the Russian government previously called for letting international investigations run their course, Bortnikov concluded that explosive materials were smuggled on board and Putin would take action against those responsible. While it is still inconclusive as to whether this was the work of ISIS, as its affiliates have claimed previously, the Kremlin said the group has exported terrorism to other countries and that there would be an increase of airstrikes in Syria.

“We will search for them everywhere, no matter where they are hiding,” Putin said. “Our military work in Syria must not only be continued, but strengthened so that criminals understand that punishment is inevitable.”

This marks an increase of activity against ISIS in Syria, seeing as their stronghold in Raqqa has been bombed by the French over the past few days in retaliation for the attacks in Paris.

[image via shuterstock]

Ken Meyer