The US intends to tighten sanctions and take other measures against Alexander Lukashenko's regime in Belarus.

The statement by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller came amid recent raids in Belarus targeting relatives of political prisoners and former political prisoners in the country.

Miller stressed that the United States condemns these detentions, wider violations of human rights in the country, as well as attempts to disrupt the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus.

"The U.S. continues to hold the regime accountable for the ongoing attacks on human rights and attempts to thwart the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus," the State Department spokesman said.

On January 23, the Belarusian KGB launched massive raids on former political prisoners and relatives of current political prisoners. The raids continued the following day.

The security forces' decisions included articles about the financing and participation in extremist groups.

Belarusian human rights activists reported dozens of detainees.

The Council of Europe Secretary General, Marija Pejčinović-Burić, condemned the recent wave of raids and arrests in Belarus.