China on Monday condemned an attack by Islamic militant group al Shabaab on a top hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The bomb blast at the Jazeera Palace Hotel on Sunday led to the deaths of more than 10 people, including a Chinese embassy police officer.

According to a statement from China's foreign ministry, the injured police officer died after being transported to a medical center for treatment. At least three other employees of the Chinese embassy were also injured in the explosion.  In total, about 13 people were killed and 20 others injured in the attack.

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China's foreign ministry has revealed that all Chinese embassy employees in Somalia have been relocated to safe areas. China has reportedly been in contact with the Somali government regarding the incident. The government has vowed to continue to work with Somali authorities to strengthen their ability to safeguard Chinese interests in the war-torn country.

The Jazeera Palace Hotel was regarded as one of the most secure places in the Somali capital. It was often visited by top diplomats from across the world and served as the consulate offices for China, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. About a tonne of explosives is believed to have been used in the attack. The Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group has revealed that the blast was orchestrated in retaliation for a recent attack by forces from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). They claim civilians died in the raid by pro-government forces.

Following joint air raids from AMISOM troops last week, al Shabaab reportedly withdrew from one of its main strongholds in Bardere, Gedo region.

Al Shabaab is an offshoot of Islamic courts that exercised administrative controls over parts of Somalia during the country's protracted civil war. The group has declared war on the Somali government and her allies - particularly neighboring countries who have contributed troops to AMISOM.

Although AMISOM and Somali government forces have been able to successfully wrestle back control of major urban areas in the country, the militants continue to exert power over large swatches of strategic rural areas.

Many pundits have questioned the ability of AMISOM and the Somali army to protect territories won back from the terrorists. This attack is the latest in a series of brazen raids on some of the most secured places in Somalia, including the Somali Presidential Palace and the Parliament building.

Experts say the attack, which was timed to coincide with the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to the region, is calculated to generate maximum publicity.

China only reopened its embassy in the northeastern African country last year after diplomatic missions were suspended for more than two decades.

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