View source for U.S. intervention in Libya (2015–2019)

{{short description|Military operation conducted by the United States}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{context|date=February 2019}}
{{POV|date=February 2019}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}
}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = American intervention in Libya
| partof            = the [[Military intervention against ISIL|International campaign against ISIL]] and the [[Second Libyan Civil War]]
| image             = USS Wasp conducts flight operations. (29091917825).jpg
| image_size        = 
| caption           = An AV-8B Harrier assigned to the 22nd MEU aboard USS ''Wasp'' taking part in Operation Odyssey Lightning on 11 August 2016.
| date              = 13 November 2015 – 30 October 2019<br/>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days |month1 =11 |day1 13= |year1 = 2015|month2 = 10|day2 = 30| year2 =2019}})
| place             = [[Libya]]
| casus             = 
| territory         = 
| result            = * Thousands of ISIL targets destroyed
* ISIL-held territory recaptured; presence minimized<ref name="Driven from Derna">{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold-140440469.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006021421/https://news.yahoo.com/libya-officials-jihadis-driving-eastern-stronghold-140440469.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 October 2015|title=Libya officials: Jihadis driving IS from eastern stronghold|date=30 July 2015|agency=Associated Press|access-date=1 August 2015}}</ref>
* Withdrawal of American ground forces
| combatant1        = {{flag|United States}}
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Air Force.svg}} [[U.S. Air Force]]
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Navy.svg}} [[U.S. Navy]]
* {{Flagicon image|Flag of the United States Marine Corps.svg}} [[U.S. Marine Corps]]
* [[United States special operations forces|U.S. Special Operations Forces]]
{{flagdeco|Libya}} [[Libya]]
*  [[Government of National Accord]]
{{flag|United Kingdom}}
* [[Special Air Service|SAS]]
* [[Special Boat Service|SBS]]
{{flag|France}}<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/official-us-warplanes-hit-multiple-targets-libya-37050030|title=Officials: US Warplanes Strike IS Facility in Libya|work=ABC News|date=19 February 2016}}</ref>
* [[Directorate-General for External Security|DGSE]]
* [[Commandos Marine]]
| commander1        = {{flagdeco|United States}} [[Donald Trump]] (until 2019)<br />{{flagdeco|United States}} [[Barack Obama]] (until 2017)<br />{{flagdeco|Libya}} [[Fayez al-Sarraj]]<br/>{{flagdeco|Libya}} [[Al-Mahdi Al-Barghathi]] (until 2018)
| commander2        = {{flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]] {{KIA}}<br/>{{flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Abdul Qader al-Najdi]] <br/>{{flagdeco|ISIL}} Abu Hudhayfah al-Muhajir
| combatant2        = {{flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya|ISIL in Libya]]
* Wilayah al-Tarabulus
* Wilayah al-Fizan
* Wilayah Barqah
-----
{{Flagdeco|ISIL}} [[Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb]]<ref>{{Citation|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1JA3CM|title=U.S. airstrike in Libya kills al-Qaeda affiliate|work=Reuters |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=23 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|url=https://www.trtworld.com/africa/us-targets-al-qaeda-in-libya-air-strike-24151/amp|title=U.S. targets al-Qaeda in Libya|access-date=23 July 2020}}</ref>
| strength1         = Unknown
| strength2         = Unknown
| casualties1       = {{flagdeco|United States}} 1 killed (non-combat)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtkr.com/2016/09/22/navy-sailor-dies-while-deployed-on-norfolk-based-uss-wasp/|title=Navy Sailor dies while deployed on Norfolk-based USS Wasp|date=22 September 2016|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105185346/http://wtkr.com/2016/09/22/navy-sailor-dies-while-deployed-on-norfolk-based-uss-wasp/|archive-date=5 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| casualties2       = {{flagdeco|ISIL}} 1,543 fighters killed<ref>[https://www.newamerica.org/future-security/reports/americas-counterterrorism-wars/the-war-in-libya/ New America Foundation.]</ref>
}}

From November 2015 to 2019, the [[United States]] and allies carried out a large series of both airstrikes and drone strikes to intervene in [[Libya]] in its revived conflict in support of the [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]]-based [[Government of National Accord]] against the [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] presence in the region.<ref name="airwars.org">{{cite web|url=https://airwars.org/libya-airstrike-reports-and-alleged-civilian-casualties/|title=Libya: international airstrikes and alleged civilian casualties}}</ref> By 2019, the ISIL branch had been largely driven from holding Libyan territory, and US strikes ceased.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Charlie |date=2023-07-01 |title=Biden Rules Tighten Limits on Drone Strikes |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/01/us/biden-drone-strikes.html |access-date=2023-07-01 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Background==
{{Main|Operation Inherent Resolve}}

==Military action against ISIL==
On 13 November 2015, the United States launched an airstrike in Derna, Libya. Two U.S. [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15E]] fighter jets targeted senior ISIL leader [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]] in the airstrike, who was the top ISIL commander in Libya.<ref name="usairstrike">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike.html|title=Exclusive: U.S. Targets ISIS in Libya Airstrike|work=The Daily Beast|date=14 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}}</ref><ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya|title=Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike'|author=Martin Pengelly|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 November 2015|access-date=14 November 2015}}</ref> In January 2016, ISIL's Libyan faction confirmed Abu Nabil's death in a eulogy to him.<ref name="eulogy">{{cite web|url=http://jihadintel.meforum.org/194/eulogy-to-abu-nabil-al-anbari-islamic-state|title=Eulogy to Abu Nabil al-Anbari: Islamic State leader in Libya|publisher=[[Middle East Forum]]|access-date=14 January 2016}}</ref>

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. Special Operations forces met with various Libyan groups near the end of 2016 to vet them for possible action against ISIL.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/01/us/politics/us-broadens-fight-against-isis-with-attacks-in-afghanistan.html |title=U.S. Broadens Fight Against ISIS With Attacks in Afghanistan|work=The New York Times |date=31 January 2016}}</ref>

On 19 February 2016, US warplanes carried out an airstrike on multiple ISIL targets in Libya, hitting an ISIL training camp and a senior extremist leader, the training camp was near [[Sabratha]], Libya, 60 people were present at the camp at the time of the strike, more than 40 people were killed with more wounded, some critically, On 14 February 2016, a U.N.-designated council presented a new 18-member Libyan cabinet in the Moroccan city of [[Skhirat]], weeks after an earlier lineup was rejected. The internationally recognized parliament has to endorse the new unity cabinet. 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.

On 1 August 2016, U.S. crewed and uncrewed aircraft carried out airstrikes on ISIL targets in Libya, responding to the U.N.-backed government's request to help [[Battle of Sirte (2016)|push the militants from their former stronghold]] of [[Sirte]] (where several hundred ISIL fighters remained), in what U.S. officials described as the start of a sustained campaign against the extremist group in the city. 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). This was the third U.S. air strike against ISIL militants in Libya, but this time U.S. officials said it marked the start of a sustained air campaign rather than another isolated strike, U.S. airstrikes would continue to target ISIL in Sirte in order to enable the GNA to make a decisive, strategic advance. [[United States Africa Command]] (AFRICOM) oversaw the US effort, which was known as Operation Odyssey Lightning. [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier IIs]] assigned to the [[22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit]] (22nd MEU) flying off {{USS|Wasp|LHD-1|6}} conducted the airstrikes and uncrewed aircraft launched from undisclosed locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2016/08/03/isis-asia-islamic-state-philippines-indonesia-malaysia-bangladesh/87999820/|title=U.S. admiral warns Asia-Pacific may be next front in ISIS fight|work=Navy times|date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="stars and stripes">{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pentagon-islamic-state-down-to-350-fighters-in-sirte-libya-1.423138|title=Pentagon: Islamic State down to 350 fighters in Sirte, Libya|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=9 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us-airstrikes-enter-3rd-day-in-libya-1.422424|title=US airstrikes enter 3rd day in Libya|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/videos-shows-us-airstrikes-isis-libya/story?id=41140453|title=New Videos Show First US Airstrikes Against ISIS in Libya|work=ABC news|date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2016/08/01/libya-airstrikes-isis-us/87914526/|title=US Conducts New Round of Airstrikes Against ISIS in Libya|publisher=defence news|date=1 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="department of defence">{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/905197/us-airstrikes-support-government-of-national-accord-in-libya|title=U.S. Airstrikes Support Government of National Accord in Libya|publisher=department of defence|date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-idUSKCN10C2NF|title=U.S. warplanes launch bombing campaign on Islamic State in Libya|work=Reuters|date=1 August 2016}}</ref><ref name="military.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/war-on-is/2016/08/01/us-air-strikes-sirte-libya-islamic-state/87909908/|title=U.S. conducts new round of airstrikes against ISIS in Libya|publisher=military.com|date=1 August 2016}}{{dead link|date=February 2017}}</ref> Airstrikes continued, on 2 August, airstrikes hit a rocket launcher, an excavator and a pickup truck with a mounted [[recoilless rifle]] and on 3 August airstrikes struck a pickup truck with a mounted recoilless rifle; by 9 August the U.S. conducted 28 strikes against ISIL in Libya, with more than half of the strikes being conducted from uncrewed aircraft.<ref name="stars and stripes"/><ref name="department of defence"/> By 16 August, U.S. airstrikes hit an ISIL vehicle and 4 militant positions in Sirte, bringing the number of U.S. airstrikes in Libya to 48.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-airstrikes-hit-libya-marking-48-strikes-august-41420865|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816173120/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-airstrikes-hit-libya-marking-48-strikes-august-41420865|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2016|title=US Airstrikes Hit IS in Libya, Marking 48 Strikes in August|work=abc news|date=16 August 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/917245/us-airstrikes-hit-isil-targets-in-libya|title=U.S. Airstrikes Hit ISIL Targets in Libya|publisher=Department of Defense|date=17 August 2016}}</ref> On 22 August, ''Stars and Stripes'' reported that U.S. Marine [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra|AH-1W SuperCobra]] helicopters participated in strikes against ISIL militants in Sirte on 20 and 21 August; a small detachment of U.S. special forces in Sirte provided most of the targeting information for the airstrikes which were then relayed to U.S. forces through Libyan government troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us/marine-gunships-enter-the-fight-against-the-islamic-state-in-libya-1.425064|title=Marine gunships enter the fight against the Islamic State in Libya|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=22 August 2016}}</ref> On 31 August, ''Stars and Stripes'' reported that the U.S. military conducted 104 airstrikes against ISIL targets in Libya in August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/more-than-100-us-airstrikes-against-islamic-state-in-libya-in-august-1.426465|title=More than 100 US airstrikes against Islamic State in Libya in August|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=31 August 2016}}</ref>

On 22 September, the pace of U.S. airstrikes against ISIL militants in Libya slowed in September as the number of insurgents holed up in a hard-to-target section of Sirte had shrunk, (the U.S. conducted 50 airstrikes against ISIL targets, compared with 108 in August) with about 200 militants remaining.<ref name="stripes1">{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us-airstrikes-in-libya-slow-as-targets-shrink-1.430392|title=US airstrikes in Libya slow as targets shrink|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=22 September 2016}}</ref> On 28 September, Fox News reported that as of 26 September, U.S. Marine Corps Harrier jets and attack helicopters as well as drones conducted 175 airstrikes against ISIL in Libya, according to the U.S. military's Africa Command. According to a U.S. official the number of ISIL fighters in Sirte was estimated to be "under 100" and that "ISIS is only in three neighborhoods."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-expected-to-extend-airstrikes-against-isis-in-libya-another-month|title=Obama expected to extend airstrikes against ISIS in Libya another month|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=28 September 2016}}</ref>

On 2 October, the U.S. conducted 20 airstrikes (bringing the total number of strikes to 201) in Libya: knocking out a command and control facility, nearly 70 ISIL fighting positions and several other sites in what was the heaviest day of bombing since the operation began, according to U.S. Africa Command data. The strikes were in support of an offensive by ground forces aligned with the internationally backed Libyan government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us-bombing-in-libya-intensifies-1.432151|title=US bombing in Libya intensifies|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=3 October 2016}}</ref> On 11 October, the U.S. conducted 51 airstrikes against ISIL targets in Libya, particularly in and around Sirte, between 7 and 10 October, marking it as some of the heaviest bombing since the start of the operation; bringing the total number of U.S. airstrikes in Libya to 261.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us-bombing-picks-up-against-islamic-state-militants-in-libya-1.433560|title=US bombing picks up against Islamic State militants in Libya|publisher=Stars and Stripes|date=11 October 2016}}</ref> On 17 October, Fox News reported that US airstrikes against ISIL in Libya doubled in less than a month (bringing the number of airstrikes up to 324).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-airstrikes-against-isis-in-libya-doubled-in-less-than-a-month/|title=US airstrikes against ISIS in Libya doubled in less than a month|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=17 October 2016}}</ref> On 21 October 2016, {{USS|San Antonio}} deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning to replace the USS Wasp in its role against ISIL. ''San Antonio'' carried [[Bell UH-1Y Venom|UH-1Y Hueys]] and [[Bell AH-1 SuperCobra#AH-1W SuperCobra|AH-1W Cobras]] from the 22nd MEU's Aviation Combat Unit, [[VMM-264]]; Marine Harrier fighters were part of the operation aboard ''Wasp'', however ''San Antonio'' did not host fighter jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-san-antonio-joins-libya-operation-1.435175|title=USS San Antonio joins Libya operation|publisher=stars and stripes|date=21 October 2016}}</ref>

On 4 November 2016, Fox News reported that the U.S. military ended its bombing campaign against ISIL in Sirte after three months of round-the-clock airstrikes the U.S. military conducted a total of 367 airstrikes since 1 August 2016. According to officials, no American airstrikes took place since 31 October; units taking part in the operation received orders on 1 November from AFRICOM to end offensive and collective self-defense airstrikes. A senior defense official said the U.S. military would "continue to provide military support to the GNA...ISIL-held territory in Sirte is down to a few hundred square meters. We'll continue to discuss with the GNA leadership what additional support they may need moving forward including air strikes."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/is-us-quietly-ending-the-libyan-bombing-campaign-against-isis|title=US quietly ends Libya bombing campaign against ISIS|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

Sirte was liberated by GNA forces in early December. On 20 December 2016, AFRICOM said that it carried out 495 airstrikes against militant vehicles and positions in the former ISIL stronghold of Sirte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-concluded-anti-campaign-libya-44302624|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221140639/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-concluded-anti-campaign-libya-44302624|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 December 2016|title=US Says It Concluded Its Anti-IS Campaign in Libya|work=ABC news|date=20 December 2016}}</ref> Operation Odyssey Lightning concluded on 19 December, following an announcement from the Libyan government of the end of offensive military operations in Sirte.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/media-room/pressrelease/28564/africom-concludes-operation-odyssey-lightning|title=AFRICOM concludes Operation Odyssey Lightning|publisher=AFRICOM|date=20 December 2016}}</ref>

On 18 January 2017, two [[United States Air Force]] [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 bombers]] and one [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Reaper drone]] struck two ISIL camps {{convert|28|mi}} south of Sirte, killing more than 80 ISIL militants.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-libya-strike/u-s-strikes-in-libya-kill-more-than-80-islamic-state-fighters-idUSKBN15320U|title=U.S. strikes in Libya kill more than 80 Islamic State fighters|last=Ali|first=Idrees|newspaper=Reuters |date=19 January 2017 }}</ref> The two bombers launched from [[Whiteman Air Force Base]] in [[Missouri]], flying round-trip for 34 hours to conduct the strikes.<ref name=":0" /> The B-2s dropped over 100 [[Guided bomb|GPS-guided bombs]] on the two camps, after which a [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|Reaper drone]] from [[Naval Air Station Sigonella]] in [[Sicily]] surveyed the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/united-states-bombs-isis-camps-in-libya.html|title=U.S. Bombs ISIS Camps in Libya|last1=Schmitt|first1=Eric|last2=Gordon|first2=Michael R.|date=8 April 2018|work=The New York Times}}</ref> One official called the airstrikes "a huge success," with more than 80 ISIL fighters killed, one counter-terrorism official told ABC News there were "zero survivors" at the camps. Many of the ISIL fighters in the camps had fled Sirte during the battle, according to another official; [[The Pentagon|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". The militants were carrying weapons, wearing tactical vests and standing in formation. The airstrikes were authorized by President Obama and were carried out in coordination with GNA; they were considered to be an extension of Operation Odyssey Lightning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/bombers-strike-isis-camps-libya/story?id=44882627|title=B-2 Bombers Strike ISIS Camps in Libya|date=19 January 2017|work=ABC News}}</ref> US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said those targeted were "actively planning" attacks in Europe.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-38685203|title=Islamic State conflict: US strikes in Libya 'kill 80 rebels'|work=BBC News|date=19 January 2017}}</ref> NBC News later reported that the number of ISIL fighters killed was revised upward to 90; a U.S. defense official said that "This was the largest remaining ISIS presence in Libya," and that "They have been largely marginalised but I am hesitant to say they've been completely eliminated in Libya."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/did-obama-defeat-isis-libya-n709001|title=Did Obama Defeat ISIS in Libya?|work=NBC news|date=28 January 2017}}</ref>

On 22 September 2017, the U.S. conducted six airstrikes with unmanned aircraft on an ISIL camp {{convert|150|mi}} southeast of Sirte, killing 17 ISIL militants and destroying three vehicles. 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". The strikes marked the first time airstrikes had been carried out in the country under the Donald Trump administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/24/politics/us-strikes-libya-trump/index.html|title=US strikes Libya for first time under Trump|publisher=CNN|date=24 September 2017}}</ref>

===Other actions===
The U.S. military has been closely monitoring ISIL movements in Libya, and small teams of U.S. military personnel has moved in and out of the country over a period of months. British, French, Italian and Jordanian special forces as well as the British [[Royal Air Force]] also have been in Libya helping with aerial surveillance, mapping and intelligence gathering in several cities, including [[Benghazi]] in the east and [[Zintan]] in the west, according to two Libyan military officials who were coordinating with them.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/09/raf-in-libyan-missions-in-preparation-for-helping-unity-government|title=RAF flying Libyan missions in preparation for helping unity government|work=The Guardian|date=9 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="Middle East Eye">{{cite news|title=Britain and Jordan's secret war in Libya|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/revealed-britain-and-jordan-s-secret-war-libya-147374304|access-date=26 May 2016|work=Middle East Eye|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> British and American special forces have also been carrying out intelligence-gathering operations around Sirte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/gaddafi-loyalists-join-west-in-battle-to-push-islamic-state-from/|title=Gaddafi loyalists join West in battle to push Islamic State from Libya|work=the telegraph|date=7 May 2016}}</ref>

Since the beginning of 2016, British Special forces have been escorting teams of [[MI6]] agents to meet with Libyan officials and organise the supplying weapons and training to the Libyan army and to militias fighting against ISIL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/25/sas-deployed-libya-start-year-leaked-memo-king-abdullah|title=SAS deployed in Libya since start of year, says leaked memo |work=The Guardian|date=25 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-special-forces-sas-operations-in-libya-confirmed-by-leaked-briefing-a6952821.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326004732/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-special-forces-sas-operations-in-libya-confirmed-by-leaked-briefing-a6952821.html |archive-date=2016-03-26 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=UK special forces' operations in Libya confirmed by leaked briefing|work=The Independent|date=25 March 2016}}</ref> On 27 February 2016, ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' reported that British special forces had deployed alongside its U.S. counterparts in the city of [[Misrata]] to stop ISIL from advancing further, their main role being to give tactical training to local militias and to build an army to fight ISIL.<ref name="The Telegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/12176114/British-advisers-deployed-to-Libya-to-build-anti-Isil-cells.html|title=British 'advisers' deployed to Libya to build anti-Isil cells|work=The Telegraph|date=27 February 2016}}</ref> In May 2016, it was reported that British special forces had engaged in frontline combat against ISIL in Libya; in particular they destroyed two ISIL suicide vehicles that were targeting Libyan fighters. On 12 May, at the Shaddadah Bridge, {{convert|50|mi}} south of Misrata, the approach of a suicide vehicle sent Libyan forces fleeing in panic, British special forces intervened and destroyed the vehicle with a missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/26/british-special-forces-destroyed-islamic-state-trucks-in-libya-s/|title=British special forces destroyed Islamic State trucks in Libya, say local troops|work=the telegraph|date=26 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/british-special-forces-praised-for-stopping-is-suicide-attack-in-libya-11364064379301|title=British special forces praised for stopping IS suicide attack in Libya|publisher=BT|date=26 May 2016}}</ref> An estimated dozen U.S. special forces operated out of a base near Misrata and were in action near [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/18/middleeast/libya-isis-us-special-forces/|title=U.S. Special Forces take the fight to ISIS in Libya|publisher=CNN|date=18 May 2016}}</ref>

In a plan disclosed in late 2015, Britain was to offer the Libyan government 1,000 troops as part of a 5,000-strong combined with Italy, to train and equip the Libyan forces rather than take part in frontline fighting.<ref name="The Telegraph"/> In addition, British defence minister [[Michael Fallon]] announced that Britain was sending 20 troops from the [[4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East|4th Infantry Brigade]] to Tunisia to help prevent ISIL fighters from moving into the country from Libya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-tunisia-libya-idUKKCN0W33OY|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160307111821/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-tunisia-libya-idUKKCN0W33OY|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 March 2016|title=UK to send troops to Tunisia to help stop ISIS crossing Libyan border|work=Reuters|date=1 March 2016}}</ref>

In June 2016, it was reported that ISIL militants were [[Battle of Sirte (2016)|retreating from Sirte]] and some fighters reportedly cutting off their beards and long hair to blend in with civilians as militia fighters allied to the unity government pushed into the city in tanks and armed trucks. The militias, mostly from Misrata, are allied to and are the main fighting force for the U.N.-brokered unity government installed in Tripoli the previous year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/setbacks-seen-for-islamic-state-in-syria-iraq-libya/ar-AAgPHVh?li=BBoPOOl|title=Setbacks seen for Islamic State in Syria, Iraq, Libya|agency=Associated Press|date=9 June 2016|access-date=14 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331131125/http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/setbacks-seen-for-islamic-state-in-syria-iraq-libya/ar-AAgPHVh?li=BBoPOOl|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-36505935|title=Libyan forces 'retake Sirte port from IS militants'|work=BBC News|date=11 June 2016}}</ref> In July 2016, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said ISIL fighters in Libya are facing the "distinct possibility" of defeat in their last stronghold and are likely to scatter elsewhere in the country and the region;<ref name="military.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/07/20/un-isis-fighters-face-possible-defeat-libya.html|title=UN: ISIS Fighters Face Possible Defeat in Libya|publisher=military.com|date=20 July 2016}}</ref> At the beginning of 2016, ISIL was believed to have more than 5,000 fighters in Libya, by August 2016, estimating there could be less than 1,000 left,<ref name="ReferenceC"/> by 9 August, only 350 ISIL fighters remained in Sirte.<ref name="stars and stripes"/> U.S. and British special forces were involved in the battle for Sirte: U.S. troops were operating out of a joint operations center on the city's outskirts, their role was limited to supporting forces unity government forces, providing direct, on-the-ground support.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/08/09/u-s-special-operations-forces-are-providing-direct-on-the-ground-support-for-the-first-time-in-libya/|title=U.S. Special Operations troops aiding Libyan forces in major battle against Islamic State|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=9 August 2016}}</ref> On 22 September, ''Stars and Stripes'' reported that since the start of the battle to retake Sirte by Libyan forces, many ISIL members fled the city, "looking to hide among the population, relocate to other Libyan towns or attempting to leave Libya altogether."<ref name="stripes1"/>

== Derna airstrike ==
On 15 November 2015, the US launched an airstrike in [[Derna, Libya]] killing senior ISIL leader [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/14/exclusive-u-s-targets-isis-in-libya-airstrike |title= U.S. Kills Leader of ISIS in Libya |author1= Kate Brannen |author2= Nancy A. Youssef |newspaper= The Daily Beast |date= 14 November 2015 |via= thedailybeast.com}}</ref> Abu Nabil formerly led operations in Iraq alongside [[Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn|al-Qaeda]] from 2004 to 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/14/us-airstrike-isis-leader-libya |title= Islamic State leader in Libya 'killed in US airstrike' |first1=Martin |last1=Pengelly |first2=Chris |last2=Stephen |date=14 November 2015 |website= The Guardian }}</ref> This marked the first time United States military action was used against ISIL outside of Syria and Iraq. This was concurrent to the [[Derna campaign (2014–16)|Battle of Derna]].

== February 2016 air raid ==
On 19 February 2016, the United States conducted a large series of bombings in [[Sabratha]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/libya-security/u-s-air-raid-hits-islamic-state-in-libya-43-dead-idUSKCN0VS1A5|title=U.S. air raid hits Islamic State in Libya, 43 dead|first=Ahmed|last=Elumami|newspaper=Reuters |date=19 February 2016 }}</ref> The United States said that ISIL training camps were the target. The strike killed [[Noureddine Chouchane]], a Tunisian resident who was blamed for having links to the [[2015 Sousse attacks]] in Tunisia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/us-airstrikes-target-islamic-state-militants-in-libya|title=US airstrikes target Islamic State militants in Libya|first1=Chris|last1=Stephen|first2=Spencer|last2=Ackerman|date=19 February 2016|website=The Guardian}}</ref> 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.<ref name="defense.gov">{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/658458/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-libya-airstrike/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gov%2FNews%2FReleases%2FRelease%2FArticle%2F658458%2Fstatement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-libya-airstrike%2F|title=Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Libya Airstrike|website=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref>

== Operation Odyssey Lightning ==
On 2 August 2016 The Pentagon released a statement that the United States would begin to collaborate with Libya's [[Government of National Accord]] (GNA) in an effort to free the city of Sirte from ISIL fighters that had captured the city in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://insidedefense.com/insider/libya-effort-named-operation-odyssey-lightning|title=Libya effort named 'Operation Odyssey Lightning'|date=2 August 2016}}</ref> The United States assured that this was done under the request of the Libyan government and that it was necessary to enable the Libyan forces to have strategic advantages for the offensive. The operations began a day before the announcement with precision airstrikes on Sirte.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://insidedefense.com/insider/counter-isil-operation-moves-libya|title=Counter-ISIL operation moves into Libya|date=1 August 2016}}</ref>

The United States continued airstrikes and military support from August to December.<ref name="airwars.org"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.enca.com/africa/libyan-unity-forces-fight-is-in-sirte|title=Libyan unity forces fight IS in Sirte|website=enca.com}}</ref>

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. The U.S. granted fighter jets permission to use defensive weapon strikes against militants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1265247/providing-freedom-from-terror-rpas-help-reclaim-sirte/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.acc.af.mil%2FNews%2FArticle-Display%2FArticle%2F1265247%2Fproviding-freedom-from-terror-rpas-help-reclaim-sirte%2F|title=Providing freedom from terror: RPAs help reclaim Sirte|date=1 August 2017|website=Air Combat Command}}</ref>

On 6 December 2016, Libyan forces had officially [[Battle of Sirte (2016)|liberated the city of Sirte]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security-sirte/libyan-forces-clear-last-islamic-state-holdout-in-sirte-idUSKBN13V15R|title=Libyan forces clear last Islamic State holdout in Sirte|first=Hani|last=Amara|newspaper=Reuters |date=6 December 2016 }}</ref>

== January 2017 airstrikes ==
On 1–2 January 2017, the US attacked multiple ISIL training camps 25 miles southwest of Sirte. The strikes were intended to target senior members and external plotters.

== Timeline of operations ==
===2015===
* 13 November – U.S airstrike in Derna kills senior ISIL leader [[Abu Nabil al-Anbari]].

===2016===
* 19 February – 43–49 ISIL fighters killed in airstrikes.<ref name="defense.gov"/>
''Beginning of Operation Odyssey Lightning''
* 1 August – U.S airstrike targets a T-72 tank, T-55 tank, two military support vehicles, and two pieces of heavy engineering equipment. An enemy position was also hit.
* 2 August – The U.S strikes a pick up truck destroying a mounted recoilless rifle as well as heavy engineering equipment. 
* 3 August – U.S strikes one pickup truck with mounted recoilless rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/media-room/article/28322/u-s-airstrikes-support-gna-in-libya|title=United States Africa Command|website=africom.mil}}</ref>
* 4–2 August trucks are hit in an air strike.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/media-room/article/28323/gna-supported-u-s-airstrikes-for-aug-4|title=United States Africa Command|website=africom.mil}}</ref>
* 6–2 August enemy fighting positions are targeted.
* 7–3 August resupply trucks hit.
* 8–11 August fighting positions targeted as well as one truck.
* 9 August – One pick up truck targeted.
* 10–5 August supply trucks including one rigged with an improvised explosive device, as well as 10 enemy fighting positions.
* 11–2 August enemy vehicles and 5 fighting positions hit.
* 13 August – One enemy vehicle destroyed.
* 14–4 August enemy positions targeted.
* 15–4 August enemy positions targeted as well as one supply truck.
* 16–6 August vehicles hit including 4 mounted with [[improvised explosive device]]s (IED) as well as 7 fighting positions.
* 17–13 August fighting positions hit as well as an IED vehicle. 
* 18–3 August fighting positions, a supply truck and an IED vehicle hit.
* 19–2 August supply trucks and 2 fighting positions.
* 20–15 August enemy positions targeted. 
* 21–8 August enemy positions targeted. 
* 22–10 August enemy positions as well as a supply truck targeted. 
* 23–1 August enemy fighting position hit.
* 24–11 August enemy positions targeted including an IED vehicle.
* 26–2 August enemy positions hit.
* 27 August – One IED vehicle as well as a suspected IED position targeted.
* 28–6 August enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle hit.
* 29–16 August enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle hit.
* 30–5 August enemy positions as well as one IED vehicle hit.
* 31–5 August enemy positions, an IED vehicle and a weapons cache destroyed. 
* 1–9 September enemy positions hit.
* 2–1 September enemy position hit.
* 3–11 September enemy positions hit.
* 4–4 September enemy positions hit. 
* 5–5 September enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle destroyed.
* 6–6 September enemy positions hit.
* 7–2 September enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle destroyed. 
* 8–3 September enemy positions hit. 
* 9–2 September enemy positions as well as IED vehicle destroyed.
* 10–9 September enemy positions as well as a resupply vehicle destroyed.
* 11–9 September enemy positions hit. 
* 12–3 September enemy positions as well as 2 vehicles targeted. 
* 13 September – One enemy position hit. 
* 14–6 September enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle hit.
* 15 September – IED vehicle destroyed. 
* 18–9 September enemy positions hit.
* 20–7 September fighting positions hit.
* 21–3 September trucks hit including an IED rigged vehicle.
* 22–8 September enemy positions and an IED vehicle destroyed.
* 23–4 September enemy targets hit.
* 24 September – One resupply zone neutralized.
* 28 September – Resupply zone neutralized.
* 29 September – Armored truck destroyed. 
* 30–7 September fighting positions as well as an IED vehicle.
* 1–6 October enemy positions hit.
* 2 October – 69 enemy positions, a command and control facility, an operations facility, and 2 IED vehicles neutralized. 
* 3–27 October enemy positions hit. 
* 4–3 October IED vehicles targeted. 
* 5–11 October enemy positions.
* 7–17 October enemy positions and a resupply route targeted.
* 8 October – 60 enemy positions hit.
* 9 October – 51 enemy positions hit.
* 10–23 October enemy positions hit. 
* 11–22 October enemy positions hit.
* 12–28 October enemy positions hit. 
* 13–16 October enemy positions hit. 
* 14 October – 60 enemy positions hit. 
* 15–18 October enemy positions hit.
* 16–11 October enemy positions as well as an IED vehicle hit.
* 17–2 October enemy positions hit.
* 18–10 October enemy fighting positions hit.
* 21–2 October enemy positions and 2 IED vehicles hit.
* 22 October – One enemy fighting position. 
* 23–3 October enemy fighting positions hit.
* 24–5 October enemy positions hit.
* 25–5 October IED vehicles destroyed. 
* 26–5 October IED vehicles destroyed.
* 31 October— 33 enemy positions, one storage facility, and 2 IED vehicles targeted.
* 8–9 November enemy positions hit.
* 10–14 November enemy positions and one IED vehicle hit.
* 11–2 November IED vehicles destroyed.
* 12–14 November enemy fighting positions hit.
* 13–17 November enemy positions hit. 
* 15–4 November enemy positions hit. 
* 18 November – One enemy position hit.
* 19–6 November enemy positions hit. 
* 21 November – 47 enemy positions hit.
* 22–29 November enemy positions hit. 
* 23–14 November enemy positions hit.
* 24–24 November enemy positions hit.
* 25–14 November enemy positions hit.
* 26–30 November enemy positions hit. 
* 27–24 November enemy positions hit.
* 28–14 November enemy positions hit. 
* 29–8 November enemy positions hit. 
* 30–14 November enemy positions hit. 
* 1–3 December enemy positions hit. 
* 2–22 December enemy positions hit. 
* 3 December – 49 enemy positions hit.
* 5–7 December enemy fighting positions hit.
''End of the Operation Odyssey Lightning''

===2017===
* 18–19 January – US [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2]] bombers target and neutralize 80–90 ISIL affiliates.
* 22– September strikes on an ISIL camp killing over 17 militants and destroying 3 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-conducts-more-air-strikes-against-islamic-state-libya|title=US conducts more air strikes against Islamic State in Libya|website=Middle East Eye}}</ref>
* 26 September – Multiple ISIL militants targeted during precision strikes.
* 17 November – One airstrike on ISIL affiliates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/us-drone-strike-kills-isis-militants-central-libya-desert|title=US drone strike kills ISIS militants in central Libya desert – The Libya Observer|website=libyaobserver.ly|date=31 May 2023 }}</ref>
* 19–2 November airstrikes near [[Fuqaha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://libya.liveuamap.com/en/2017/20-november-the-us-conducted-another-drone-strike-targeting/|title=The US conducted another drone strike targeting ISIS in Libya on Sunday near Fuqaha, Libya, officials tell CNN. Sunday's strike follows a similar US strike on Friday in the same area - Map of news of Libya conflict - libya.liveuamap.com|website=Map of news of Libya conflict - libya.liveuamap.com}}</ref>

===2018===
* 30 March – First airstrike conducted against [[AQIM]]. The strike kills "two al Qaeda terrorists, including Musa Abu Dawud, a high ranking al-Qa'ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) official."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/28/politics/us-airstrike-al-qaeda-libya/index.html|title=US conducts first airstrike against al Qaeda in Libya|first=Ryan|last=Browne|website=[[CNN]] |date=28 March 2018 }}</ref>

===2019===
* 7 April – Officials from AFRICOM announced that it had temporarily withdrawn some of its ground forces from Libya following the [[Libyan National Army]] Field Marshal [[Khalifa Haftar]]'s surprise offensive into Tripoli. Officials did not specify how many U.S. troops were withdrawn, how many remained, where they were relocated to, or when they intend to return, but said it would "continue to monitor conditions on the ground" and "assess the feasibility for renewed US military presence as appropriate."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Raghavan|first=Sudarsan|title=American troops in Libya moved out of country as violence escalates near capital|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/american-troops-in-libya-moved-out-of-country-as-violence-escalates-near-capital/2019/04/07/bf754a6c-58b2-11e9-aa83-504f086bf5d6_story.html|access-date=2021-02-05|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Malsin|first=Jared|date=2019-04-08|title=U.S. Removes Troops From Libya Amid Fighting in Capital|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-removes-troops-from-libya-amid-fighting-in-capital-11554661793|access-date=2021-02-05|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Musa|first1=Rami|first2=Samy|last2=Magdy|agency=Associated Press|date=2019-04-07|title=US withdraws troops from Libya amid rival militias fighting near capital|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2019/04/07/us-withdraws-troops-from-libya-amid-rival-militias-fighting-near-capital/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Military Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/libya-gna-forces-announce-counteroffensive-defend-tripoli-190407121535177.html |title=Libya's GNA forces announce 'counteroffensive' to defend Tripoli |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=8 April 2019 |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
*19 September- a Drone strike killed 8 Islamic State militants in town of Murzuq.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1W51O2 |title=U.S. air strike kills eight militants in southern Libya: U.S. military |work=Reuters |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
*24 September - a Drone strike killed 11 Islamic State Militants near town of Murzuq.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/2019/09/25/airstrike-in-libya-kills-11-isis-members-africom-says/ |title=Airstrike in Libya kills 11 ISIS members, AFRICOM says |last=Altman |first=Howard |work=Military Times |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>
*28 September- a Drone strike killed 17 Islamic State militants in south Libya.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/world/africa/strikes-isis-libya.html |title=U.S. Military Again Strikes ISIS in Southern Libya |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |work=The New York Times |date=27 September 2019 |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan crisis]]
* [[2011 military intervention in Libya]]
* [[Factional violence in Libya (2011–2014)]]
* [[Second Libyan Civil War]]
* [[International military intervention against ISIL]]
* [[Spillover of the Syrian Civil War]]
* [[Drone strikes in Pakistan]], [[List of drone strikes in Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Drone strikes in Yemen|Yemen]], and [[Drone strikes in Somalia|Somalia]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{American conflicts}}
{{Barack Obama}}
{{First presidency of Donald Trump}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:American intervention in Libya (2015-present)}}
[[Category:2010s in Libya]]
[[Category:Military history of Libya]]
[[Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya]]
[[Category:Libyan Crisis (2011–present)]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Libyan civil war (2014–2020) involving the United States]]
[[Category:Presidency of Barack Obama]]
[[Category:First presidency of Donald Trump]]