The New York Times says the CIA has sent more than 100 suspected terrorists to other countries for interrogation under a secret program authorized by the Bush administration.

Sunday's edition of the newspaper quotes former and current government officials as saying the CIA has acted under a still-classified directive that President Bush signed within days of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The officials said the process, known as rendition, has been central in U.S. efforts to disrupt terrorism. Suspects have been sent to countries including Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The transfers have been criticized because some former prisoners alleged they were mistreated. An administration official told the paper the CIA takes care to ensure the prisoners are detained under humane conditions and not tortured.