U.S. authorities have proposed establishing a database to store DNA profiles from captured fighters in the war on terrorism.

The New York Times, Sunday, quotes U.S. officials as saying the Justice Department is reviewing the plan submitted by the FBI. The plan may also require U.S. congressional approval.

Last month, U.S. authorities said they were collecting hairs that could yield DNA samples from prisoners as they were being processed in Afghanistan.

The officials say the database could help in tracking terrorism suspects in the future. It could also help to identify them.

Authorities also say it might help them to trace the source of hairs found in the shoes of Richard Reid, who is accused of trying to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight last December with hidden explosives.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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