Burma’s military rulers have in effect ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross to cease its humanitarian work in the country, as the regime hardens its stand towards international agencies’ efforts to assist the long-suffering population.

The ICRC said it was ordered to close all five of its local field offices, the bases for its program to provide clean water, sanitation, health and protection to civilians in sensitive border regions, including conflict zones where the Burmese military is battling ethnic minority insurgents.