The U.S. Marshals Service announced on Thursday that they found 39 missing children in Georgia over 2-weeks in a mission called, “Operation Not Forgotten.” The operation resulted in the rescue of 26 children, the safe location of 13 children, and arrest of 9 criminal associates.

“These missing children were considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area, based on indications of high-risk factors such as victimization of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions,” the press release reads. 

The U.S. Marshals Service Missing Child Unit worked with the agency’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, state and local agencies in Georgia, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a non-profit organization. 

The investigators cleared 26 arrest warrants and filed additional charges for several alleged crimes.

“When we track down fugitives, it’s a good feeling to know that we’re putting the bad guy behind bars. But that sense of accomplishment is nothing compared to finding a missing child,” Darby Kirby, chief of the Missing Child Unit, said in a statement. 

“We are working to protect them and get them the help they need,” he said.