Libya's UN-backed government on Wednesday criticised the presence of French troops on the country's soil, after the deaths of three French soldiers who were gathering intelligence were officially confirmed.

The presence of the troops on Libyan soil was a "violation" of the nation's sovereignty, the government of national accord (GNA) said on its Facebook page following Paris's announcement that its soldiers had been in the country.

The government added in the statement it was "displeased with the French government's announcement regarding the French presence" in Libya, a country wracked by political divisions and a jihadist threat.