IS downed plane!

An Egyptian militant group affiliated with the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the downing of a Russian passenger plane that crashed in Egypt's Sii peninsula on Saturday. The group claimed responsibility in a statement circulated by supporters on Twitter.

Officials have not yet identified the cause of the crash that killed all 224 people, including 17 children, on board. Egyptian security sources earlier on Saturday said early investigations suggested the plane crashed due to a technical fault.

The Islamic State's semi officials news agency Aamaq, also reported the group's claim of responsibility for the crash.

 "The fighters of the Islamic State were able to down a Russian plane over Sii province that was carrying over 220 Russian crusaders. They were all killed, thanks be to God," the statement circulated on Twitter said.

Russia's transport minister has also urged caution and said the claims "can't be considered accurate".

It is also unclear whether militants in the region would have the capability to attack the plane, which was flying at 31,000ft.