New Delhi: After spending almost a month-and-a-half in the captivity of Iraqi militants, three Indian truck-drivers abducted in the war-torn nation reached home today (Sep 3, 2004) to a joyous welcome.

Antaryami, whom the abductors had threatened to kill if their demands were not met, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh were greeted by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed on their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport by a Kuwait Airlines flight.

Several of their family members also welcomed them with tears of joy.

The Indians and four others were driving trucks in Iraq for Kuwait and Gulf Link (KGL) transport company when they were taken hostage by a little known militant group 'Islamic Secret Army - Holders of Black Banners' on July 21.

They were set free on Wednesday (Sep 1) after KGL agreed to the abductors demand to exit Iraq. The company also claimed to have paid half-a-million dollars as ransom to the kidnappers.