*** Sinai crash: Britain points to security flaws at Egypt airport | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Sinai crash: Britain points to security flaws at Egypt airport

Britain pointed the finger at shortcomings in Egyptian airport security on Tuesday after blaming last month's Russian plane crash on a bomb smuggled on board.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the most likely cause of the disaster was a bomb planted by someone working for or inspired by the Islamic State group.

But, he said Wednesday, failures in security at Sharm el-Sheikh airport may have enabled the attack.

"I don't really think there's anyone left around who doesn't recognize that this is more than likely a bomb," Hammond told reporters in Washington.

"You don't need a sophisticated capability to get a small bomb, and that's all you need to bring down an aircraft, a small bomb with a straightforward timer.

"Sadly there are many, many people who can do that. The issue is about getting it air side in an airport that is supposed to be secure," he warned.

"Where this points the finger is at the capability of the security on the ground at Sharm el-Sheikh."

Caption: Egyptians security officials screen luggage as passengers prepare to check in at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport in Sinai, Egypt

Photo: Arab News