US retaliates, expels Russian diplomats after 'hacks', imposes sanctions, as Russia vowes reprisals

US President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of of 35 Russian diplomats, suspected as spies and imposed sanctions on Russian intelligence agencies in retaliation for Russia's alleged interference in the US 2016 presidential election.  

According to Obama, his actions were in response to Moscow's involvement in "cyber operations targeted at the US election," adding that "all Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions".

An earlier investigation by the US intelligence services believe Russia ordered cyber-attacks on the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Hillary Clinton’s campaign and other political organizations, in an attempt to influence the election in favor of the Republican candidate, and US president-elect, Donald Trump.

The sanctions affected nine entities and individuals, including two Russian intelligence services and three companies that provided material support to one of the intelligence services, Obama said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Russia has vowed “adequate reprisals” over US sanctions and accused Washington of trying to destroy ties between the two countries by making “unfounded” allegations of interference in the US election.