PARIS/BENGHAZI, Shawwal 15, 1437, Jul 20, 2016, SPA -- Three French soldiers were killed in a helicopter accident during an intelligence-gathering mission in Libya, President Francois Hollande said on Wednesday, Reuters reported. They are the first confirmed Western military casualties since it became known this year that special forces were operating on the ground in Libya. "At this moment we are carrying out dangerous intelligence operations (in Libya)," Hollande said in a speech. "Three of our soldiers, who were involved in these operations, have been killed in a helicopter accident." France took a leading role in the NATO air campaign that helped rebels overthrow autocratic leader Gaddafi in 2011. The country has since descended into chaos. Western special forces from countries including France, Britain and the United States have sent small teams to western and eastern Libya. -- SPA 21:42 LOCAL TIME 18:42 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w