The Department of Justice announced Friday that a two-week nationwide enforcement surge led to the identification and recovery of more than 205 children who were victims of sexual exploitation.

Called Operation Relentless Justice, the effort also resulted in the arrests of more than 293 individuals accused of child sexual abuse offenses.

The DOJ said the effort prioritized locating endangered children first, with arrests made after victims were identified and secured.

The coordinated operation involved all 56 FBI field offices, the department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and U.S. attorneys' offices across the country.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the operation reflects a commitment to ensuring children targeted by predators are not overlooked or abandoned.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau has led multiple nationwide enforcement surges this year focused on child exploitation and will continue working with federal, state and local partners to protect children.

The DOJ said those arrested are alleged to have committed crimes, including production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement of minors, transportation of minors and child sex trafficking.

Prosecutors cited cases involving a Texas airman and his wife, accused of producing child sexual abuse material, and a North Carolina police officer accused of distributing such material to an undercover officer.

In another case, the FBI's Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national accused of enticing a minor, who had previously been deported and had prior arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and carrying a concealed weapon.

The DOJ also highlighted arrests connected to online sextortion schemes, including alleged leaders of a group known as Greggy's Cult.

In one Virginia case, prosecutors said a man persuaded a 14-year-old girl to produce child sexual abuse material and later encouraged her to kill herself, after which the victim attempted suicide.

The FBI's Victim Services Division supported victims during the operation through forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health care, and coordination with partner agencies.

The DOJ said the operation builds on earlier nationwide efforts this year that resulted in hundreds of children being located and hundreds of accused offenders arrested.

Operation Relentless Justice was carried out under Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated law enforcement efforts.

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