Death toll from Somalia fighting rises to 35

NAIROBI, May 9 (Reuters) The latest flare-up in fighting between Islamic militia and a self-styled ''anti-terrorism'' alliance of warlords in Somalia's capital Mogadishu has killed at least 35 people, sources on both sides said today.

''By yesterday, 35 people have died from both sides, including civilians, and over 70 are wounded,'' Ali Nur, an alliance militia member, told Reuters by telephone.

Fighting was continuing for the third day today in the run-down Siisii district of the lawless coastal city.

The Horn of Africa nation of about 10 million people has been a battleground for feuding militia groups since the toppling of former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

But this year's fighting in Mogadishu has been the worst for years. Two previous battles in February and March killed some 90 people, with US cash thought by many to be funding the warlords opposing the militia linked to Islamic courts.

An Islamic militia leader, Siyad Mohamed, confirmed fighting had started again today morning. ''We have lost at least four today on our side, and three yesterday,'' he said by phone.

The violence is a setback to plans by an interim Somali government -- the 14th attempt to restore central authority in 15 years -- to relocate from the provincial capital of Baidoa to the capital.

REUTERS DKS RK1300