The head of Russia’s Federal Aviation Agency told Russian TV on Tuesday that claims of “external influence” on the crash of a Russian airliner in the Sinai Peninsula are “not based on any proper facts.” The comments from the official, Aleksandr Neradko, contradict statements from Russian carrier Metrojet, which on Monday blamed Saturday’s midair breakup on an unknown force outside the aircraft. Separately, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi dismissed claims that ISIS militants downed the plane as “propaganda,” reiterating that the Sinai was in “full control” during an interview with the BBC. Sisi warned against speculation, adding that the cause of the crash may not be known for months.
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