China strongly condemns terro attack in Somalia, one death confirmed

BEIJING, July 27 --China on Monday strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Somalia in which a security guard at China's embassy was killed and three embassy staff wounded.

China was greatly shocked by the attack and strongly condemned it, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang, referring to a suicide attack to Jazeera Palace Hotel at around 4 p.m. local time on Sunday in Mogadishu, which killed more than a dozen people and injured others.

The six-story luxury hotel in the Somali capital houses some embassies and hosts high-level government meetings.

Lu expressed deep condolences to the victims and their families.

China has lodged representations in Mogadishu and Beijing. The Somalian side said it would take all necessary measures to treat the wounded and ensure the safety of China's organizations and people in Somalia.

The Foreign Ministry will pay close attention to the local situation, strengthen security and protect the safety and interest of Chinese organizations and people in Somalia, Lu said. Embassy staff have moved to a safer place.

The attack came a day after the murder of a Somali lawmaker in Mogadishu, among a string of security incidents that hit the capital. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.