Seven hostages freed after $500,000 ransom paid

SEVEN truck drivers held hostage in Iraq since July were freed yesterday after a $500,000 (€411,000) ransom was paid.

The men arrived at Kuwait’s international airport after their company paid Iraqi militants the cash to secure their release.

The freed hostages, three Kenyans, three Indians and an Egyptian, were hugged and presented with flowers by staff of the company, Kuwait Gulf Link Transport.