Clashes between Taliban militants and Pakistan’s military intensified on Monday in the lawless Waziristan region amid mounting efforts by the government to arrest or kill Baitullah Mehsud, the most prominent Taliban militant.

Officials in the North-West Frontier Province, which includes the semi-autonomous Waziristan district, reported heavy exchange of fire in areas inhabited by Mr Mehsud’s followers after helicopter gunships and air force jets attacked sites thought to be used as ammunition stores.