GENEVA — The International Committee of the Red Cross has departed the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Libya, because of deteriorating security.

The humanitarian institution said today the ICRC has been moved to the eastern city of Tobruk where it will continue to aid victims of the Libyan conflict.

The head of the ICRC mission in Libya, Simon Brooks, said the group is “extremely concerned about what will happen to civilians, the sick and wounded, detainees and others” who remain in Benghazi, which Libyan forces were closing in on.

Brooks said the Libyan Red Crescent’s aid workers are still operating in and near Benghazi. He said ICRC hopes to return and also provide aid in the western part of the country, if security improves.