The hostages --- three Indians, three Kenyans and an Egyptian -- were set free by a group calling itself the Black Banners Brigade of the Secret Islamic Army (SIA) and then gave interviews on al-Arabiya television.

The seven, who were seized on July 21, appeared happy and healthy as they spoke at length with the Dubai-based channel.

Asked how they were treated, Egyptian hostage Mohammed Sanad told Arabiya: "They taught us religion and how to pray."

All seven truck drivers were then whisked to the Indian embassy in Baghdad and then to the airport, a source at the embassy said.

The kidnappers declared victory, boasting that they had forced the hostages Kuwaiti employer to leave Iraq and vowing to carry out more attacks on anyone assisting US troops.