The aerial bombings caused heavy losses, according to Prime Minister Fayez al Sarraj, and are expected to continue in the hometown of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
They were launched at the request of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and were to support GNA-backed forces fighting the jihadist group in Sirte since May.
Mr al Sarraj said the strikes "allowed our forces to take control of strategic positions" and he stressed that no foreign troops would be deployed in Libya.
He also suggested US involvement would be "limited in time and will not go beyond Sirte and its suburbs".President Barack Obama authorised the strikes which are "consistent with our approach to combating ISIL (IS) by working with capable and motivated local forces", said Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook.
He added: "The US stands with the international community in supporting the GNA as it strives to restore stability and security to Libya."
If IS lost control of Sirte, which it seized in June 2015, it would be a major setback to the insurgent group that has also faced a series of military defeats in Syria and Iraq.
The coastal city, near where Colonel Gaddafi died in a battle in 2011, is seen as one of IS' most important bases outside of the other two countries.
Around 280 pro-government fighters have been killed and more than 1,500 were injured in the battle, according to medical sources.
Source : news.sky.com/
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