[11] Obama Administration officials were weighing a new campaign plan for Libya that would deepen the United States' military and diplomatic involvement, on yet another front against ISIL.

The United States and its allies are increasing reconnaissance flights and intelligence collecting there—and even preparing for possible airstrikes and raids, according to senior American officials.

If approved, the new unity government could eventually seek international military intervention against ISIL extremists who have taken advantage of the country's political vacuum since 2014.

President Barack Obama authorized the airstrikes after a recommendation by U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; the strikes hit an ISIL tank and two vehicles that posed a threat to forces aligned with Libyan GNA (Government of National Accord).

AV-8B Harrier IIs assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) flying off USS Wasp conducted the airstrikes and uncrewed aircraft launched from undisclosed locations.

[21] On 17 August, U.S. Africa Command officials announced on 16 August airstrikes on ISIL targets in Sirte struck 7 enemy fighting positions, 4 vehicle-borne bombs, 1 pickup truck with a mounted recoilless rifle, 12 enemy fighting positions and 1 command-and-control vehicle, bringing the total number of airstrikes in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning to 57.

[34] The two bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, flying round-trip for 34 hours to conduct the strikes.

[35] The B-2s dropped over 100 GPS-guided bombs on the two camps, after which a Reaper drone from Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily surveyed the area.

Many of the ISIL fighters in the camps had fled Sirte during the battle, according to another official; Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said in a statement ISIL fighters had fled to the remote desert camps "in order to reorganize and they posed a security threat to Libya, the region, and U.S. national interests".

AFRICOM stated the strikes took place "In coordination with Libya's Government of National Accord and aligned forces" and that "The camp was used by ISIS to move fighters in and out of the country; stockpile weapons and equipment; and to plot and conduct attacks".

[45] In addition, British defence minister Michael Fallon announced that Britain was sending 20 troops from the 4th Infantry Brigade to Tunisia to help prevent ISIL fighters from moving into the country from Libya.

[50] On 11 June, the BBC reported that Libyan forces claim they have retaken control of part of Sirte after fierce fighting with militants from ISIL.

"[25] On 15 November 2015, the US launched an airstrike in Derna, Libya killing senior ISIL leader Abu Nabil al-Anbari.

[57] The Pentagon later released a statement saying the intention was to weaken the chances of ISIL continuing the construction of new training camps and the ability to recruit new members.

[7][61] Originally the Libyan forces were to lead the offensive, while support provided by U.S AV-8B Harrier jets and AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters struck militant strongholds inside the city.

However, according to American field commanders, the GNA forces became "overwhelmed" attempting to enter Sirte and had become desperately in need of heavier support.