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Libya attack: Three French soldiers killed Libya attack: French soldiers killed in Benghazi helicopter crash
(about 2 hours later)
France's defence ministry says three of its soldiers have died in Libya, reportedly after their helicopter was shot down. Three French soldiers have died in Libya after their helicopter was shot down, President Francois Hollande says.
A short statement said the soldiers died "while on mission". The soldiers were killed while carrying out "dangerous intelligence operations", Mr Hollande said.
Earlier on Wednesday, ministry spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed for the first time that French special forces were in Libya. Earlier on Wednesday, French defence ministry spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed for the first time that its special forces were in Libya.
On Tuesday, Associated Press quoted Libyan officials as saying an Islamist militia shot down a French helicopter.On Tuesday, Associated Press quoted Libyan officials as saying an Islamist militia shot down a French helicopter.
The attack on Sunday happened near the city of Benghazi, and left no survivors, AP reported.The attack on Sunday happened near the city of Benghazi, and left no survivors, AP reported.
Africa Live: Latest updatesAfrica Live: Latest updates
Why is Libya so lawless?Why is Libya so lawless?
Guide to Libya's militiasGuide to Libya's militias
Mr Le Foll, in an interview with France Info radio on Wednesday, said French special forces were in Libya to "ensure that France is present everywhere in the fight against terrorism".Mr Le Foll, in an interview with France Info radio on Wednesday, said French special forces were in Libya to "ensure that France is present everywhere in the fight against terrorism".
While France had previously said its warplanes were carrying out reconnaissance flights over Libya, this is the first formal confirmation that France has special forces inside the country.While France had previously said its warplanes were carrying out reconnaissance flights over Libya, this is the first formal confirmation that France has special forces inside the country.
Their presence was first reported by Le Monde newspaper in February (in French) but later denied by Libyan officials.Their presence was first reported by Le Monde newspaper in February (in French) but later denied by Libyan officials.
Le Monde also said that French intelligence officials were stationed inside Libya to help the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS).Le Monde also said that French intelligence officials were stationed inside Libya to help the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS).
Benghazi was the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Col Muammar Gaddafi, but has since seen heavy violence between rival Islamist militias.Benghazi was the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against Col Muammar Gaddafi, but has since seen heavy violence between rival Islamist militias.
The BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says Benghazi has suffered violence in the past two weeks as rival militias seek to take control of the city.The BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says Benghazi has suffered violence in the past two weeks as rival militias seek to take control of the city.
Since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi, there have been two rival parliaments. While the UN helped broker a deal in December to form a unity government, talks on forming that administration have hit deadlock.Since the overthrow of Col Gaddafi, there have been two rival parliaments. While the UN helped broker a deal in December to form a unity government, talks on forming that administration have hit deadlock.
The oil-rich country once had one of the highest standards of living in Africa with free healthcare and free education, but five years on from the uprising it is facing a financial crisis.The oil-rich country once had one of the highest standards of living in Africa with free healthcare and free education, but five years on from the uprising it is facing a financial crisis.
At the same time, militias, who hold considerable power across Libya, are split along regional, ethnic and local lines, creating a combustible mix.At the same time, militias, who hold considerable power across Libya, are split along regional, ethnic and local lines, creating a combustible mix.
This turmoil has allowed IS to gain a foothold in the country.This turmoil has allowed IS to gain a foothold in the country.
But in a new report to be presented to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said IS was facing the "distinct possibility" of defeat in its last Libyan stronghold of Sirte.But in a new report to be presented to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said IS was facing the "distinct possibility" of defeat in its last Libyan stronghold of Sirte.