British American Tobacco (BAT) will cease all operations in military-ruled Myanmar and withdraw by the end of this year, reports Reuters.

According to the report, BAT, which started operating in Myanmar in 2013, is the latest Western firm to pull out of the country in turmoil since a February coup. Responding to a query from Reuters about the status of its operations in the Southeast Asian country, the company said the decision was taken having assessed the long-term viability of its Myanmar business. "Like any global company, we continuously evaluate our operations around the world," the company said. "Having evaluated the long-term operational and commercial viability of our business in Myanmar, we have taken the decision to withdraw from the country and cease all operations."