Three Emirati citizens who were kidnapped several days ago in Iraq have been freed, according to UAE news agency WAM.
Juma Al Junaibi, Director General of UAE Foreign Ministry, told the agency the three released citizens - Sultan Rashid Nasser al Mansouri, Saeed Salim Humaid al Mansouri and Ahmed Shaban Saleh al Mansouri - along with seven companions, were now on their way home by air, following the ordeal.
They were handed over to UAE Ambassador to Iraq Abdullah Ibrahim al Shihi yesterday, the website said.
''The plane which carrying them has already left Iraq en route to the UAE,'' Mr al Shihi affirmed.
Mr al Shihi paid tribute to the Iraqi government, Interior Minister Jawad al-Bulani, chiefs of tribes and other entities and persons for their cooperation and keenness to ensure the safe release of the UAE citizens.
Mr Al Shihi said the UAE diplomatic mission in Baghdad had also made strenuous efforts over the past few days which culminated in the release of the UAE citizens.