The US intelligence chief has promised to explain why Russia allegedly meddled in the US presidential election.

Director of National Intelligence General James Clapper said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the hack of Democratic Party emails, and the motive will be revealed next week, reports the BBC.

Russia has denied involvement but the US has announced sanctions against Russian officials.

President-elect Donald Trump is to be briefed on the hacking on Friday.

Intelligence chiefs will take him through a report, which was given to President Barack Obama on Thursday, on foreign meddling.

An unclassified version will be made public next week.

Top US intelligence officials gave testimony on Thursday to the Senate Armed Services Committee investigating the alleged interference.

In their assessment, Moscow interfered to help Trump, the Republican candidate, beat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

BDST: 1052 HRS, JAN 06, 2016
SR