The attack on Sunday happened near the city of Benghazi, and left no survivors.
On Tuesday, Associated Press quoted Libyan officials as saying an Islamist militia shot down a French helicopter.
France’s defence ministry says three of its soldiers have died in Libya, reportedly after their helicopter was shot down.
A short statement said the soldiers died “while on mission” in the North African country.
Earlier on Wednesday, ministry spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed French Special Forces were in Libya.