The group, claiming itself to be Abu Bakr al-Saddiq, released the hostages after the company employing them announced suspension of its activities in Iraq, said the channel.

   The Turks were first known to be captured on Sept. 18, when al-Jazeera aired a video tape showing the 10 sitting under an Islamic banner holding their identity cards.

   The kidnappers threatened to kill them unless their employer stops operations in Iraq within three days.

   A statement issued by the Ankara-based construction company three days later announced it had met the demand.  Enditem