WASHINGTON — The FBI, in conjunction with multiple state and law enforcement agencies, announced Tuesday approximately 149 sexually exploited children were recently rescued thanks to Operation Cross Country.

The FBI told WREG two children were returned home to the Mid-South as a result of the stings.

They would not release any other information on the children.

In addition, the sting operation put 150 pimps and others associated with sex trafficking behind bars.

“Human trafficking is a monstrous and devastating crime that steals lives and degrades our nation,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. “As a result of the FBI’s outstanding coordination and exemplary efforts alongside state and local partners during Operation Cross Country, more children will sleep safely tonight, and more wrongdoers will face the judgment of our criminal justice system.”

According to the FBI, this is the largest enforcement to date, utilizing more than 500 law enforcement officers in 135 cities nationwide.

They specifically conducted the stings in hotels, casinos, truck stops and other areas known for this kind of criminal activity.

The youngest child recovered was just 12 years old.

“We are proud to partner with the FBI and provide support to both law enforcement and victim specialists in the field as they work to locate and recover survivors of child sex trafficking,” Linda Krieg, NCMEC’s acting chief executive officer, said. “The number of children recovered and pimps arrested in this year’s operation highlights the importance of these efforts today and every day in protecting our children.”