ISLAMABAD, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security agencies have intensified nationwide operations following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, with multiple arrests and one key facilitator neutralized, security officials said on Saturday.
At least 31 people were killed and around 170 others were injured after an explosion ripped through a mosque during Friday prayers, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon told the media.
According to officials, the suicide bomber's brother-in-law was apprehended in the southern port city of Karachi, while his brother was arrested in Peshawar.
A key facilitator linked to the attack was killed during a security operation in Nowshera district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Authorities also confirmed the arrest of the suspected bomber's mother from a residence in a posh sector of Islamabad, terming it a significant development in the investigation.
Security agencies have launched coordinated intelligence-based operations across the country to dismantle networks linked to the attack, officials added.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State-Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing through a statement circulated by Amaq News Agency, which is associated with the militant group.
The statement described the attack as a suicide operation targeting a central Shia place of worship in Islamabad and alleged a high number of casualties. ■