'Separatists likely shot down MH17'

(ANSA) - Rome, July 18 - A preliminary United States intelligence analysis has concluded that the missile that downed Malaysia Airlines flight 17 on Thursday was likely fired by pro-Russian separatists, CNN reported Friday.
    The cable network cited a defense official with "access to the case". As well, the FBI is sending explosives experts to Ukraine to give a hand in the investigation, US media reported.
    There is no official confirmation yet as to the cause of the crash of the Malaysia Airlines flight from Asterdam to Kuala Lumpur, whose 298 passengers and crew are confirmed dead. Also on Friday, a Malaysia Airlines spokesperson said the number of Dutch victims has risen to 198. The fatalities also include 44 Malayasians, 27 Australians, nine British, four Belgians, four Germans, three Filipinos, one Canadian and one New Zealander. Authorities are trying to identify another four victims.