Watch: Trump prepares to meet US prisoners freed by North Korea

As the three American prisoners released by North Korea arrived in Alaska today, US President Trump tweeted on Wednesday night saying he was looking forward to greeting the "hostages" - who he termed as "no longer".

The Americans were handed over to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his talks with President Trump next month.

"I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health," Trump had tweeted earlier.

A plane carrying the three men took off to at Andrews air base on Wednesday evening after a refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.

President Trump had said he would be meeting the freed Americans at the Andrews Air Force Base on Thursday morning.

The Americans -  Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk - were in good health, Pompeo had said earlier.

The move by North Korea is being seen as a "goodwill gesture" is part of the groundwork as Trump and Kim prepare to meet for summit talks in June, although the US president is yet to announce the venue of his meeting.