Baghdad - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed Monday to relentlessly pursue a crackdown against all those working against the "will of the nation," saying even the highest ranking officials would not be spared if they violate the law.

Without identifying specific crimes, al-Maliki told clan chiefs, police and army officials in the southern city of Amarah that an unwavering fight would continue on all those who defy the "values and will of the nation," including even prime ministers or senior officials.

Amarah is the scene of an ongoing security crackdown against Shiite militiamen - the fourth offensive of its kind that the government has launched with US military backing against Shiite militias and Sunni insurgents.

Al-Maliki warned Iraqis against falling in the thrall of the Sunni extremist group the Islamic State of Iraq (also known as al-Qaeda in Iraq), Shiite militias or gangs. (dpa)